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Utah health department considers allowing more nicotine in vape pens

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Utah health department considers allowing more nicotine in vape pens


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SALT LAKE CITY — State health officials are looking at allowing electronic cigarette manufacturers to increase the levels of nicotine in their products sold in Utah after a recent lawsuit settlement.

The proposed rule allows Utah retailers to sell vape pens with a higher nicotine concentration than is currently legal, if the products are authorized through a Food and Drug Administration premarket tobacco product application.

Braden Ainsworth, program manager for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, said a 2020 law gave the department the authority to amend the tobacco law and set a nicotine limit for manufacturer-sealed tobacco products.

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“While the Utah Department of Health and Human Services is making this change to better align with FDA’s (Premarket Tobacco Product Applications) process and orders, we still don’t recommend e-cigarette and vape products for use and consumption since they expose people to risk of tobacco-related disease. E-cigarettes and vape products are harmful and the long-term health effects are unknown,” he said.

Ainsworth said the department’s priority is creating policies that give Utahns “fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives.”

In September 2021, a limit was set at “3% by weight per container,” and no more than 36 mg/mL concentration of nicotine.

Ainsworth said the assessment and decision arose during litigation around the rule, and it is part of a settlement, “but the department would have pursued changes to the vape policy by amending the rule in some way whether or not a settlement was reached.”

Under the revised rule, products that are sealed by manufacturers could contain any amount approved by the FDA, which limits the amount to 5% by weight but no more than a 59mg/mL concentration of nicotine. The rule notes that in 2022, products were approved with concentrations ranging from 1.5% to 6%.

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Ainsworth said Utah has seen a decline in youth vaping. In 2019, 12.4% of teenagers vaped, and in 2021 the percentage decreased to 7.8%, according to state data. Multiple policy changes in 2020 were designed to address youth e-cigarette use, including restricting flavors, he noted.

The public comment period for the rule ended on Wednesday, and the change could be enacted as early as June 21. But a version of the rule correcting a one-word error will be open for public comment until July 17. People can send comments through email to tobaccorulescomments@utah.gov.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services will review all of the comments on both proposed rules and will summarize public comments and respond to them before each rule is either enacted, amended or withdrawn, Ainsworth said.

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Emily Ashcraft joined KSL.com as a reporter in 2021. She covers courts and legal affairs, as well as health, faith and religion news.

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Utah

Utah Made: Multi-generational ladder company still going strong

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Utah Made: Multi-generational ladder company still going strong


SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Art Wing still fondly remembers when his late dad Hal Wing, the founder of Little Giant Ladders, said: “If you concentrate on building the company and not the person, you will fail. If you concentrate on building the person, the company will take care of itself.”

That motto is still at Little Giant’s core today.

In the early 1970s, Hal was a salesman living in Germany, forging a friendship with an inventor who created a ladder that Hal thought was a technological marvel. He took the idea back to the United States, perfecting it and pattening it before heading out on the road.

“He bought a pinto station wagon and he loaded it with ladders, and he went on the road upwards of 250 days a year just selling them out of that thing,” Art recalled.

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Art says the roadshow worked, and people quickly took note of their sturdy ladders and all they could do.

In 2002, Little Giant Ladders climbed to new heights by hitting television screens all over the country with an infomercial that often ran late at night and on weekend afternoons. It was a catchy ad that ran for 16 years and racked up sales of over a billion dollars in ladders sold.

Today, the Little Giant brand continues where it started, calling Utah home.

Company president and CEO Ryan Moss says the Beehive State is headquarters for good reason.

“We have great people here in the state of Utah. Honestly, that is one of the best blessings about Little Giant, is the wonderful people that we get to work with every single day,” Moss said. “They’re hardworking, they’re smart, they’re creative.” 

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While Utah is the Little Giant premier factory, the company has facilities and warehouses all over the world, working to keep their standards and safety high. Globally, Little Giant employs several thousand people, together taking a small idea to a huge enterprise and stepping up the ladder of success with no end in sight





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Warning issued after harmful algal bloom found at Utah Lake marina

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Warning issued after harmful algal bloom found at Utah Lake marina


SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah — A Warning Advisory has been issued for an area along Utah Lake after a harmful algal bloom was detected Tuesday.

The City of Saratoga Springs said the bloom was found present at the Saratoga Springs, and could be producing dangerous toxins that would be harmful to humans and animals.

The Utah County Health Department issued the warning, advising people to do the following when in the vicinity of the marina:

  • Do not swim or water ski
  • Avoid areas of algae when boating
  • Clean fish well and discard guts
  • Keep animals away
  • Don’t drink the water

Algal blooms can cause skin, nerve and liver damage,





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2025 three-star defensive back Manny Fuller commits to Utah

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2025 three-star defensive back Manny Fuller commits to Utah


Utah’s football program, led by coach Kyle Whittingham, continues its impressive recruitment streak with the commitment of Shelton “Manny” Fuller, a three-star safety from El Paso, Texas. Fuller, the 11th commitment to wrap up June, and the 13th for the 2025 class, which adds significant value to the team’s defensive lineup.

Fuller, who visited Salt Lake City earlier this month, had also considered Houston, BYU, and Oregon State before deciding on Utah. He was Initially planning to commit in August, but announced his decision early via Instagram.

Fuller was ranked as the No. 44 athlete in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports. At 6-feet and 170 pounds, he’s known for his versatility and physicality on the field. Without question his combination of strong ball skills with an aggressive playing style, particularly excelling in run defense. As he continues to develop physically, his tackling power is expected to improve, enhancing his already notable defensive capabilities.

Utah hits three of the biggest lists for EA Sports College Football 25

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Fuller’s commitment marks the ninth defensive player for Utah in 2025, joining a robust group of recruits including quarterback Wyatt Becker, tight end Drew Clemens, and several defensive standouts like Nela Tupou and Max Fonoimoana. With this strong early recruitment drive, Utah is building significant momentum and positioning itself for a successful future.



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