F E AT U R E
As it spells out the wonky aspects of
testing requirements and health and
safety standards, the FDA must lay
down the law on the industry’s odious
and persistent efforts to draw in the
youth market – indeed, we hope that
is the headline when these regulations
are announced. These are statements
directly from an Editorial article by StarLedger titled, FDA’s prime directive:
Keep e-cigarettes from kids. When
asking the U.S. based Company, World’s
Finest Vapors, about this controversy
they said: “A good product will sell itself
with no games or gimmicks.
If more money is spent on the packaging
rather than the product itself, a customer
may simply be left disappointed.”
World’s Finest Vapors continues by
stating, “As Wild as the Old West things
may seem, there are in fact rules that
govern product labeling. Every State
mandates different requirements and
there is a tremendous amount of
information available at the FDA. Legal
Entities have been in place to help
prevent fraud, deception and other unfair
business practices, such as the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC).”
Considering this World’s Finest Vapors
proceeds, saying
“The FTC can even fine violators heavily,
however, it is currently mostly an honor
system. Due to manpower and other
issues that prevent them from seeking
out violators, the best they can really
do is encourage manufacturers to do
the right thing. It’s our job as leaders to
function in the capacity of Ambassadors
to this industry as a whole. Until
consumers are fully educated about
the type of products on the market, and
are able to make accurate decisions
regarding the choices available - honor,
integrity and most importantly consumer
safety should be at the forefront of our
Unacceptable, Irresponsible Labeling
thoughts” (Worlds Finest Vapors, Est.
2009).
It is undeniable that Vaping advocates
all agree that responsibility and
accountability are prerequisites when
developing, labeling that is consistent
with a more professional standard that
does not appeal to children or teenagers.
Vape advocates preach that we must
force companies who attract children
with their labeling and packaging to
stop what they’re doing immediately
and rethink their approach to marketing
their products. Vaping Advocate in the
VapersArmy advocacy group, Dave
Freeman, says,
“Cartoon marketing is a sad attempt at
nostalgia, while it may not be appealing
to all kids even one is too many and as
vapers we need to speak with our money
and not support companies who take
part in this activity.”
Another issue with the irresponsible
labeling of e-liquids is that the flaws of
the industry are often pounced upon by
its critics.
For instance, in an article by the StarLedger Editorial Board, Stop Corrupting
Kids with Flavored Vapes claims “ The
use of e-cigarettes among middle and
high school students tripled from 2013
to 2014 alone.” This article is obviously
anti-anything
Vape-related.
Stop Corrupting Kids with Flavored
Vapes says,
“How has it proliferated? Consider that
advertising for e-cigarettes reaches 70
percent of these students. That’s 18
million young people who see these ads
- in stores, magazines, online, on TV –
and who believe that vaping is a healthy
alternative to tobacco.”
After they write that last snarky remark
about believing that Vaping is a healthier
alternative to tobacco, what comes next
is one of the most oddly expressed,
poorly thought-out, borderline delusional,
slightly offensive and completely illogical
analogies I’ve ever come across.
What becomes one of the most illogical
analogies ever used is states that people
believing electronic-cigarettes are
healthier than traditional cigarettes “is
like saying it’s safer to inhale the exhaust
fumes of a hybrid vehicle than that of
a diesel truck.” Well then, clearly this
article has some rather strangely-worded
and extremely illegitimate analogies.
I guess I understand where they are
coming from in regards to technology
and change, but seriously, is there a
need for such an exaggerated analogy?
“Until consumers are
fully educated about
the type of products
on the market, and
are able to make
accurate decisions
regarding the choices
available - honor,
integrity and most
importantly consumer
safety should be at
the forefront of our
thoughts”
It’s not exactly in the field of accuracy.
To heighten his dismissive depiction of
the Vaping industry, the writer states, “If
that sounds cynical, consider that half
the global vaping market, a $7 billion
industry, is owned by Big Tobacco. Those
guys aren’t known for transparency.”
About the Writer : Tony Ottomanelli
graduated from DePaul University in
Chicago with a Master’s Degree in
Sociology. He also has a Bachelor of
A rts Degree from Wittenberg University
where he majored in Sociology and
minored in Psychology. Ottomanelli
taught Sociology courses at Owens
Community College in Ohio while
coaching Boy’s Basketball at the High
School level.
Tony Ottomanelli currently resides in
Denver, Colorado where he pursues
opportunities in Sociology and Writing.
Not to mention, he is in the pre
production stages of making a short
documentary about how much Vaping
helps change lives for the better, in which
the Kilm will be titled “Who Are The
Vapers?”
Tony is a member of CASAA & the
advocacy group VAPERSArmy.
Email him Questions or Comments:
[email protected]
VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE ISSUE 05 59