|
According to the Korea Consumer Agency (President: Kim Young-seen, www.kca.go.kr), number of consumer damage cases reported to the KCA’s Consumer Injury Surveillance System (CISS) related to ‘electronic cigarettes’ increased significantly to 45 cases in this year’s first half alone from 17 cases and nine cases in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
After analyzing 45 damage cases reported to the Agency in 2011, the Agency found that No. 1 symptom of consumer damage was throat pain (10 cases, 22.2%), followed by headaches (8, 17.8%), nausea and mouth (lip) pain (5, 11.1% for each), cough (4, 8.9%), and leak of liquefied material (3, 6.7%).
When smokers inhale e-cigarettes excessively, some side effects occur. And, propylene glycol, glycerin and other, which are its raw materials, could cause symptoms similar with allergy.
Also, the KCA conducted a labeling inspection by purchasing nine products of e-cigarette on the market, three out of nine e-cigarette products had no labeling of the nicotine amount contained in them. Meanwhile, as five out of the nine did not use safety package, there were safety concerns found if they are consumed by children.
Based on these findings, the Agency is going to make a recommendation of strengthening management and supervision for labeling & warning and labeling of the nicotine amount contained as well as unifying the management system to relevant authorities. Also, the KCA is going to advise e-cigarette manufacturers to list directions for use more clearly and thoroughly and improve product quality (nicotine amount and package structure).
Date of News Report Release : Aug. 31st, 2011
|
