NJ bill to require child-resistant liquid nicotine packaging awaits Governor’s signature (WMBC-TV, Anchor Mark Fontes)
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WMBC-TV aired its story on the importance of NJ bill A4098/S2877 that awaits NJ Governor Christie’s signature. The bill will require child-resistant packaging for liquid nicotine used for electronic smoking devices. It passed the NJ Assembly unanimously on December 17, 2015, and already passed the NJ Senate overwhelmingly. GASP was the only nonprofit to testify during the Senate and Assembly bill hearings.
WMBC-TV Anchor Mark Fontes interviewed GASP’s Executive Director Karen Blumenfeld, Esq. about the bill. One teaspoon of liquid nicotine can be lethal to a child, according to the American Association of Poison Control. Blumenfeld noted that 17 U.S. States already require it and 5 more States, including the federal government, have it under consideration. Blumenfeld shared that in 2014, NJ reported 45 case of nicotine poisoning, compared to 9 in 2011. These figures are an underestimation, given that they are only from poison control centers, but not include emergency room visits and 911 calls.
Watch the December 29, 2015 WMBC-TV interview below
Read GASP’s December 18, 2015 press release on A4098’s unanimous vote in the NJ Assembly.