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FDA to Probe Inhalable Caffeine

Senator Shcarles Schumer questions whether it's safe for kids

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 19, 2012 5:21 PM CST

(Newser) – New York Sen. Charles Schumer isn't convinced inhalable caffeine is a good thing—at least not for kids, the AP reports. He has helped prod the FDA into investigating chapstick-sized caffeine inhalers called Aeroshots. The senator says his concern was prompted by incidents last year when students guzzled too many caffeinated alcoholic drinks for a quick buzz. Kids and teens "are particularly vulnerable to overusing a product," says Schumer.

Aeroshot manufacturer Breathable Foods says the product can be taken up to three times daily and also acts as a dietary supplement—another claim the FDA plans to investigate. Aeroshot inventor David Edwards, a Harvard professor, says the product is safe and includes no taurine or other additives that boost the power of caffeine in energy drinks. Edwards also helped invent breathable chocolate and plans to promote a new invention that turns food and drinks into low-calorie flavor clouds.

This still file photo taken from video shows Harvard biomedical engineering professor David Edwards, creator of AeroShot, during an interview at Breathable Foods Lab, Inc., in Cambridge, Mass.
This still file photo taken from video shows Harvard biomedical engineering professor David Edwards, creator of AeroShot, during an interview at Breathable Foods Lab, Inc., in Cambridge, Mass.   (AP Photo/Rodrique Ngowi, File)
In this Feb. 7, 2012 file photo, a woman holds an AeroShot inhalable caffeine device in Boston.
In this Feb. 7, 2012 file photo, a woman holds an AeroShot inhalable caffeine device in Boston.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
In this still file photo taken from video, students try free samples of AeroShot, an inhalable caffeine packed in a lipstick-sized canister, on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston.
In this still file photo taken from video, students try free samples of AeroShot, an inhalable caffeine packed in a lipstick-sized canister, on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston.   (AP Photo/Rodrique Ngowi, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Moon
Feb 20, 2012 9:38 AM CST
Why was I not informed about this?? They are going to make it illegal before I even get a chance? /This would save a lot of trips to the bathroom
HMunster
Feb 20, 2012 5:30 AM CST
What's the prob? I inhale several cups of coffee every morning when I'm in a rush...
RobertHoward
Feb 19, 2012 8:48 PM CST
The perfect time to buy a coffee farm.
 

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