On Aug. 8, a new ruling giving the United States Food and Drug Administration regulatory control over all products meeting the definition of tobacco-related – including electronic cigarettes – went into effect. The ruling, which also prohibits the purchase of tobacco products by those under the age of 18, will spotlight a concern long-held by experts at the Georgia Cancer Center – the increased popularity and use of e-cigarettes.

Concerns about health risks, the lack of evidence regarding e-cigarettes as an effective cessation tool and the effect of secondhand exposure have made e-cigarettes a hot topic of conversation, research and calls for regulation. Of particular concern is the exposure of children, attracted to the bright packaging and flavors, to the large doses of nicotine e-cigarettes contain. In 2014, poison control centers in the U.S. responded to more than 3,700 e-cigarette and liquid nicotine exposure cases, more than half of which involved children.

Experts are available to discuss the impact of tobacco – including e-cigarettes and the importance of tobacco prevention and cessation.

Martha Tingen, PhD

Director, Tobacco Control Program

Associate Director, Georgia Prevention Institute

As a young nurse, Martha Tingen saw how patients’ choices early in life could result in bad outcomes down the road. At the top of the list was the use of tobacco. Much of her research centers on encouraging healthy decision-making in family and school settings, especially among African-Americans.

Tingen earned a BSN in 1979 at the University of South Carolina and an MSN at the Medical College of Georgia in 1983. She returned to the University of South Carolina and obtained a PhD in 1995.

Carsten Schroeder, MD, PhD

Director, Cancer Center Thoracic Oncology Surgery Service

Dr. Schroeder’s research in the early detection and treatment of high-risk lung cancer patients presents him with a privileged view of the harm inflicted by tobacco products.

Schroeder received his MD from Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, and his PhD from University of Erlagen https://www.facebook.com/events/1767746766772648/. His research interests include minimally invasive thoracic surgery, lung cancer screening and lung cancer metastasis to the lungs.

Christine O’Meara, MA, MPH

Director, Cancer Information & Awareness

O’Meara has an extensive background in tobacco prevention and control. Her determined leadership and outreach initiatives have made Augusta University’s Tobacco-Free Campus program the model for colleges and universities across the state. They have also resulted in ever-decreasing reports of tobacco use on Augusta University campuses.

A series of student-produced electronic cigarette Public Service Announcements is available and can be edited to serve your needs. See below:

augusta.edu//tobaccofree/videocontest/e-cigpsawinners.php