Child Proof Packaging Unamously approved by the Senate Commerce Committee

On Thursday, February 26, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved legislation requiring e–cigarette manufacturers to create child-resistant packaging for all liquid nicotine containers.

Subsequent to the death of a toddler in upstate New York from ingestion of liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), author of the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act (S. 142), pushed for Committee consideration of the bill.

S. 142 directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a rule requiring liquid nicotine containers to be designed with special packaging that is difficult for children under five years of age to open.

A similar bill passed the Committee last year, but was never subject to floor consideration. The bill enjoys bipartisan support, with Republican co-sponsors like Sen. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), and Senator Nelson is hopeful that the measure will pass this Congress.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a single teaspoon of liquid nicotine can result in vomiting or seizures, and is potentially fatal to small children.

Lobbyit is in touch with Senator Nelson’s office concerning prospects for the bill, and is convening meetings with key members in the House of Representatives to determine the outlook in the lower chamber.

Stay tuned!

Go to top