Sen. Thomas introduces bill to regulate e-liquid cartridge refills

New York's health commissioner is urging everyone to stop vaping immediately, and a state senator is introducing a bill to regulate e-liquid cartridge refills.
The commissioner's warning comes after five people in the U.S. died from a lung illness that may be linked to vaping. Hundreds have been sickened, including two teens on Long Island.
The symptoms to look out for include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, coughing and fever and extreme shortness of breath.
New York state Sen. Kevin Thomas is introducing legislation to regulate the sale of e-liquid cartridge refills. The Nassau lawmaker says the cartridges can be refilled with harmful, unknown substances.
Thomas says his bill would stop all sales of the refillable cartridges because he says they can be dangerous if not handled properly.
"We need to do something about it, alright. This is jurisdiction that the FDA should be jumping into and trying to regulate. But since the federal government is sleeping right now at the wheel, the state has to step up," he says.
The bill would not regulate pre-packaged electronic cigarettes or pods.
Vape shop owners and vape supporters are not pleased about this potential legislation, saying it will reduce the choices responsible adults can make when it comes to vaping.
"I think as adults, we are at a certain point in our lives that you're allowed to make those decisions for yourself, and other people shouldn't be telling you how to do it. If you want to put something in your body, you're more than entitled," said Matt Flax, of Vaporville.
Laurie Ann Davis, of Bethpage, says her son is now having serious health problems that his doctors believe may be related to vaping. She says something needs to be done because she believes more kids, and adults, are getting addicted to vaping's appealing flavors and nicotine.
"I think anything and everything that we can do, can help," said Davis.
If passed, the legislation would not affect the sales of prepackaged vape products or so called pods. It would just be the e-liquid in New York state.
Thomas hopes to have it introduced in January.