North Carolina is requiring new packaging and label requirements on electronic cigarette products sold in the state, effective Dec. 1.
Electronic cigarette refill fluids are to be sold in child-proof packaging with labels to alert consumers if the product contains nicotine, the addictive component in tobacco.
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, vapes, mods, e-hookah and hookah pens, are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid solution - sometimes containing nicotine - into an aerosol inhaled by the user.
The Carolinas Poison Center has noted a steady increase in calls related to children accessing e-cigarette nicotine liquids since the products were introduced.
North Carolina residents who want free help to quit tobacco use, including e-cigarette addiction, can contact QuitlineNC at 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669) or, in Spanish, 1-800-Dejelo-Ya (1-800-335-3569).