The FDA Begins Approving E-Cigarettes for Sale

The Food and Drug Administration just approved an e-cigarette for sale in the US. It's the VUSE device from tobacco giant RJ Reynolds and it will only be available with tobacco-flavored cartridges. The FDA has denied scores of candy, fruit, and mint-flavored vaping products because they’re attractive to teenagers and they’re so unhealthy . . . but why approve any e-cigarettes if the ultimate goal is public health? Michael Siegel, a visiting professor and researcher in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine, advocates for the keeping of some e-cigarettes available. He explains why. (Mark Stehle/AP Images for R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, File)