Document ID: FDA-2014-N-0189-34340
Agency: fda
Document Type: Supporting & Related Material
Title: 
Posted Date: 2014-07-03T04:00Z

Comment Info: =================

General Comment:Hello Mr. Zeller,
I am writing on behalf of the e-cigarette community in regards to the FDA Proposed Rule Deeming Tobacco Products to be Subject to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the Family Smoking and Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the "Proposed Rule") published at 79 Fed. Reg. 23,142 and Federal Register No. 2014-09491. It is in my opinion that the comment period should be extended for a total of 180 days. The FDA has provided only a very short period for this comment period, compared to the amount of time the FDA has taken to provide their proposed regulations.
While I believe safety is key to the e-cigarette community, I know first-hand that e-cigarettes have some very good benefits to those who have smoked combustible tobacco for many years. I quit smoking after 28 years thanks to the option to use e-cigarettes. I feel better and my lungs are clearing up. I no longer have issues with apnea, and I can now breathe well enough to play with my children.
The community is doing a very good job of self-regulating and keeping their products out of the hands of those who are not of legal age to purchase tobacco products. I understand the need to prevent marketing to children. The flavors sold today are not meant to market to children. After 28 years of smoking combustible tobacco and not being able to taste anything, these flavors help the newly quitting smoker to remove themselves from the combustible tobacco world. Once the taste buds start to function again, it is delightful for ex-smokers of all ages to be able to enjoy these flavors.
I truly believe that the e-cigarette alternative saved my life, and many doctors have been suggesting them as an alternative to patients. It is certainly better than the combustible tobaccos that I felt doomed to die from for 28 years.
I appreciate your consideration of my request to extend the comment period for further research and response.
Best Regards,
Craig Paiva