Question

NARRBEGIN: E-cigarettes
E-cigarettes
Smoking inflames non-smokers and claims the lives of more than 400,000 smokers each year, so the electronic cigarette is a welcomed alternative. Electronic cigarettes, called e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that emit a vapor from nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. It looks like a cigarette and allows smokers to inhale the nicotine vapor in places where smoking is not allowed. The product has been touted as a means to quit smoking as well. However, critics, especially the Food and Drug Administration, claim that "vaping" poses risks. In fact, the FDA claims its tests revealed a toxic chemical that is found in anti-freeze as well as other carcinogens. The FDA blocked a shipment of the product from China and banned the sale of this product in the United States. In addition to the safety issue, the FDA is concerned that children might be attracted to this product because they come in flavors other than traditional menthol, such as bubble gum, chocolate, and strawberry. The FDA wants this product to go through the same rigorous testing that drugs must go through before being marketed. However, the FDA's authority over this product is questioned. While Congress has recently given the FDA authority over tobacco products, this is not a tobacco product and the Electronic Cigarette Association is fighting the ban.
NARREND
Refer to E-cigarettes. The FDA is part of which environmental factor affecting the marketing of this product?
a. demographic
b. technological
c. political and legal
d. competitive
e. economic

Answer

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