Oregon investigates electronic cigarette company
The Oregon Attorney Generals office is investigating a Florida-based company that operates Electronic Cigarette kiosks at local malls.
The company, called Smoking Everywhere, Inc. is coming under fire for allegations it falsely markets the product and allegations it markets to children.
“We need to have proof that these products are safe.” Said John Kroger, state attorney general.
The product comes in different flavors, such as strawberry and mint.
On the company’s website there is a glowing endorsement from celebrities Danny Boneduce and Jose Canseco as they appeared on the Howard Stern Show.
“I mean, kids can still look cool, with these cigarettes, “ Said Artie Lange, comedian on the show.
Electronic cigarettes have gained support from those people who don’t want second-hand smoke.
Instead of exhaling nicotine, the electronic cigarettes exhale a water vapor, while they are ingesting the nicotine.
Kroger’s argument is that these products have not been tested.
“We don’t know if they are safe. And with flavors like bubble gum, I fear we are sending a message to our kids that is horrible”
NewsChannel 8 took an undercover camera to a kiosk.
We did see a child listening to the sales pitch but she was accompanied by her mother.
There also is a sign that clearly reads the products are for adults 18 and up.
The company’s attorney says the products are safe.
“They are legal and no authority has shut them down.” Said Conrad Yunker, attorney for Smoking Everywhere Inc.
The company has six days to respond to documents to Aleve the state’s fears or it will be shut down.
