This post was authored by Thad F. Waites, MD, FACC, chair of the Governance Committee and member of the Board of Trustees, Advocacy Steering Committee and NCDR Management Board.

Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently have the authority to regulate tobacco products other than cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, smokeless tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco? Surprisingly, cigars, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), hookah and other similar products are actually not subject to any regulations. As a result, the FDA is prevented from even requiring studies of their effects on people.

A report released last year brought to light what many of us have suspected for decades, and what numerous studies have proven: smoking can diminish the benefits of statins, worsen hypertension, and contribute to cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Smoking is the common denominator in 40 percent of all cardiovascular disease. It is also a major risk factor for stroke, doubling the risk of ischemic stroke and increasing the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage up to four times.

While we have a solid grasp of the detrimental side effects of cigarettes thanks to extensive research in this area, we have entered an entirely new “smoking era” and the jury is still out regarding how products such as e-cigarettes impact health.

The FDA recently took a step in the right direction by releasing a proposal that would extend its authority to cover e-cigarettes, cigars and additional tobacco products. However, this proposal would allow e-cigarette manufacturers and others to continue to target their marketing efforts towards children and teens. It would also continue to allow for sale of flavorings for e-cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products, and exempt premium cigars from any restrictions. While the ACC is pleased that a proposal has finally been issued, the College and its allies do not believe that the proposal extends far enough and could undo any gains made at the federal and state level.

The pressure is on. Members of the “vaping” community, that is, users of e-cigarettes, have submitted tens of thousands of comments in opposition to regulation. Manufacturers of tobacco products and others who benefit from their sale are also teaming up to curb FDA oversight.

We need your help to combat our opponents. A number of ACC chapters have already submitted comments calling for stricter regulation and the College is submitting comments this week.

I encourage all of you to make your voices heard by submitting individual comments via a webpage created by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Please note that the comment period closes promptly at 11:59 on Aug. 8.

Together, we can ensure that all tobacco-related products are properly researched, marketed and regulated.

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