E-Cigarettes: Tobacco Policy and Regulation

Purpose of the ReviewThe purpose of this review is to describe current trends in e-cigarette use, provide an overview of the potential health risks and benefits, and discuss tobacco policy and regulatory considerations.Recent FindingsE-cigarette use is popular among youth and adults, despite limited evidence about the long-term risks or benefits. Internationally, there is wide variability in how e-cigarettes are classified, which has also led to large differences in regulations on these products. Regulatory policies that strike a balance between the potential benefit of these devices for adult smokers who are trying to quit smoking with reducing the appeal and addictive potential for youth are critically needed.SummaryContinued research on the health effects and consequences of e-cigarette use will be essential to inform e-cigarette product standards and tobacco regulatory policies as scientific research strives to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of e-cigarette technology.