Question

Business and Society

Should E-Cigarettes be regulated-Case Study

1. Using the elements of public policy, presented earlier in this chapter, identify the inputs, goals, tools, and effects of the FDA’s effort to regulate e-cigarettes.

2. Through discussion, compare and contrast with another regulated product or service.

3. Discuss the possible reasons the FDA or other national regulatory agencies might use to justify greater regulatory control of e-cigarettes. Support your answer.

4. Apply the four methods of ethical reasoning to the case.

Answer 1

• Answer to question 1: E-cigarettes do not have tobacco but have nicotine( which is a component present in tobacco). Hence side effects of nicotine prevail in e-cigarettes like combustible cigarettes. Though impact of nicotine vapor on non-smokers is still unclear, the product does not seem to be beneficial for the consumers. Hence governments should treat the e-cigarettes the same way as regular cigarettes and follow similar regulation.

Answer 2: Stakeholder most affected:- E-cigarette manufacturers, consumers of this product

Answer 3: Tobacco industry has learnings from the regulations of combustible cigarette industry and also is anticipating the further stricter measures from FDA on e-cigarettes. Though e-cigarette manufacturers claim their products to be safer than regular cigarretes, the ingredients do have addictive effects on consumers which can led to deterioration in health. Hence to prevent any future liabilities from the use of their products, they are placing warning labels on their products. It can not be considered as the measure of collaborative partnership.

Answer 4: elements of public policy from the chapter you are refering to are not available with this question. please provide

Answer 5: Justification of greater regulatory control on e-cigarettes

reason 1: These products have nicotine which is addictive and habit forming, and is very toxic by inhalation, in contact with the skin, or if swallowed

• reason 2: Though effect of vapor is a case of research, any vapor from elements like nicotine entering human body would not be beneficial or neutral to human helth.

• reason 3: E-cigarette is the revamped, contemporary version of combustible cigarettes. Hence it can be treated as the old product in pack.