vaping

While officials are NOT saying Vaping is the direct cause, these two cases match others from Seattle-King County.

There are many factors here. What is the effect of 'additional' substances or 'flavorings' that may be added to the vape inhalation process? Are people using 'black market' or off market devices?

If you live in or visit Walla Walla, you may have to watch where you smoke.

Previous such efforts failed to pass the Legislature in 2014, and 2015. But a new house bill (2165) would change that.

With a State House bill going to committee and being debated Tuesday in Olympia, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has renewed his push to have the smoking age raised to 21.  It's a renewal of the failed effort last year in the legislature, and a move that has some saying he's overstepping his bounds.

Most stores won't sell an obviously 14 or 15-year-old an e-cig. But surprisingly, the industry has largely been unregulated since the popularity of the electronic smoking devices has exploded a couple of years ago. Now, get ready for a heavy dose of state regulations.

It's not a widespread trend, but a number of incidents have been reported recently about vaping units, or e-cigs, exploding in people's mouths or hands. At least 4 such incidents have happened in Washington state alone.

A lot can happen in a short time in the state legislature, but from what we've seen so far, it appears likely the state smoking (and vaping) age will be raised to 21. It will probably hinge heavily on how the State Senate reacts.

Citing new studies that show vaping, or use of e-cigarettes, is rising rapidly among teens, Thursday Gov. Jay Inslee urged new legislation to help curb the problem.