Bill would require child-proof caps on e-cigarette liquid

A bill cleared by the state Senate Health Care Committee would require that manufacturers put child-proof caps on the liquid used to refill e-cigarettes.

"These e-cigarette refills come in candy flavors, bubble gum, chocolate and fruit flavors," Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, said, holding up an eye-dropper-sized container of the liquid.

Bingham said the bill has the backing of tobacco companies, including R.J. Reynolds and Lorillard.

The small bottles of liquid designed to be turned into vapor contain high concentrations of nicotine, which can sicken and in some cases kill children when swallowed.

Failing to produce containers with the safety caps would be a high-level misdemeanor.