U.S. Sen. Edward Markey is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate what he called the unfair or deceptive acts of some liquid-nicotine retailers.

The Massachusetts lawmaker sent a letter requesting the probe Tuesday. The letter was co-signed by eight fellow Democratic senators, including Jack Reed of Rhode Island and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

Markey said he wants the FTC to investigate retailers using recognizable brand names of breakfast cereal and candy — like Trix or Swedish Fish — to advertise liquid nicotine, which is used in electronic cigarettes.

Markey say liquid nicotine poses a threat to children if accidentally ingested, causing stomach aches, seizures, difficulty breathing and even death.

The letter was also signed by Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Al Franken of Minnesota, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Barbara Boxer of California, Richard Durbin of Illinois and Patty Murray of Washington.  (Associated Press)

 

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