Lawmakers Look To Crack Down On Substance Linked To Vaping Deaths

The Indiana House made changes Thursday to legislation that raises the smoking and vaping age to 21 years old, which includes an effort to address recent deaths from vaping.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently identified vitamin E acetate as the primary cause of a rash of lung injuries that came from vaping. Those injuries have killed dozens of Americans, including several Hoosiers.

READ MORE: State Health Department Reports 5th Vaping Related Death In Indiana

Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) says lawmakers need to address that substance and the problems it’s causing.

“It’s what those who are engaged in sort of the underground or off-market arena use as a cutting or thickening agent,” Austin says.

House lawmakers want to make selling tobacco products with vitamin E acetate in them a Class B infraction, which carries a fine of up to $1,000.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.