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Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) Urges Fact-Based Dialogue at June 18 Senate Committee Hearing on E-Cigarette and Vapor Products Marketing(Marketwire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WASHINGTON, DC -- (Marketwired) -- 06/12/14 -- The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) urges that the upcoming hearings held by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation examine the vapor industry as a whole. SFATA looks for the Committee to involve the many category players who are responsible marketers informing adult smokers of the available alternatives to combustible cigarettes. Vapor products are adult consumer products not intended for use by minors. SFATA's members do not engage in advertising or marketing practices geared to minors and only supports marketing to current adult smokers as well as appropriate advertising guidelines. In our view, advertising must balance the value of promoting vapor products as an alternative to combustible cigarettes with the need to ensure that messaging is directed to those of legal age. SFATA believes overly restrictive rules on advertising and marketing of vapor products would be counterproductive as ads are an essential source of information and education about the rapidly changing technology that are vapor products. Recent research from the University College London, the second most highly cited European university, suggests that the accessibility of vapor products can have a positive impact on public health. The research shows the products' usefulness as an alternative to combustible cigarettes should be considered as a matter of health policy. This was reinforced recently in an unprecedented letter from 53 leading scientists to the World Health Organization urging that vapor products not be classified as tobacco products and highlighting the category's potential as a significant health innovation. On behalf of its members, SFATA respectfully urges the Senators to commence a dialogue that involves key industry players that is based on meaningful science relevant to the marketing and accessibility of vapor products like electronic cigarettes as technology, not tobacco. About SFATAThe Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the vapor products industry. As the largest trade association of its kind, with 156 members, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support campaigning and research endeavors paramount to the future of the industry. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email [email protected] or call 202-251-1661. Source: Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association |