“There’s been no honeymoon period for the Food and Drug Administration’s new tobacco chief, Brian King. The AP spoke to King about his approach to regulating tobacco and nicotine, including the potential for e-cigarettes to serve as as a less harmful alternative for adult smokers. Notably, he cited so-called nicotine salt technology pioneered by Juul as a potentially promising tool for smokers, but also warned of its risks for young people.
Q: Surveys have shown many adults think e-cigarettes are as dangerous as traditional cigarettes. Is that a problem?
A: I’m fully aware of the misperceptions that are out there and aren’t consistent with the known science. We do know that e-cigarettes — as a general class — have markedly less risk than a combustible cigarette product. That said, I think it’s very critical that we inform any communication campaigns using science and evidence. It has to be very carefully thought out to ensure that we’re maximizing impact and avoiding unintended consequences.
Q: What’s your view on the potential for vaping to help reduce adult smoking?
A: I think there’s a lot of really important science and innovations that have occurred in the industry in recent years. The most notable I think is nicotine salts (in e-cigarettes).”
ARTICLE LINK: Insider Q&A: FDA official on vaping’s “promise or peril”
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