Washington state mulls steep tax on e-cigarettes

Seattle - Washington state lawmakers are considering imposing a steep tax and other restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes, legislation the bill's sponsor said this week would be the toughest in the nation.

The bill is the latest effort by lawmakers across the country to address concerns over the health impacts of e-cigarettes, also known as vapour cigarettes or vapes, which are not lit like regular cigarettes, but do generally, release nicotine in a heated liquid.

"Many people, particularly teenagers, are being misled into believing these items are safe," said state Representative Gerry Pollet, sponsor of the Washington bill. "You deserve to know what toxic and carcinogenic chemicals are in e-cigarettes," the Democrat said.