SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - E-cigarettes, cigars and hookahs will be regulated in the same way the government treats cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
Dr. Karen Wilson with the American Academy of Pediatrics applauds the decision saying the by-product of electronic cigarettes, aerosol, is not harmless.
Wilson says the vapor contains chemicals that could potentially be carcinogenic. She says in addition is contains nicotine which is a dangerous substance at almost every level, especially for children.
Wilson says the AAP recommends that e-cigs not be sold to anybody who is under the age of sale for regular tobacco products in that jurisdiction.
She says anybody that starts smoking before the age of 21 is far more likely to become a life-long smoker.
The new rule will not go into effect immediately giving companies time to comply.
But under under the rule, the Food and Drug Administration would have to approve all tobacco products not currently regulated available after February 2007. The e-cigarette industry was in its infancy at that time.