Final answer:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that manufacturers warn people about the risks associated with each drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
The FDA requires manufacturers to warn about drug risks, and it plays a significant role in regulating drugs, cosmetics, and tobacco products, among others. The extent of FDA's authority varies, and there is an ongoing debate on whether e-cigarettes should be regulated as tobacco products. This is part of the FDA's mandate to protect public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices.
The FDA's power also extends into areas such as food safety, tobacco products, and cosmetics, although the extent of their authority may vary. For instance, the FDA does not require pre-market approval for cosmetics, but it can intervene if a product is found to be unsafe. Companies must indicate on their products if they have not been tested, and substances used in these products are subject to review by cosmetic ingredient expert panels.
The FDA has weight in influencing regulations, but ultimately, it does not have a standardized or systemic method for reviewing all chemicals for safety. Additionally, the FDA's Office of Prescription Drug Promotion regulates prescription drug advertising, creating a layer of consumer protection by monitoring promotional materials.
Regarding the discussion about whether the FDA should regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products, the debate is centered on whether e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products or if they pose their own health risks that require regulation similar to that of tobacco products. Such regulations might include warning labels, as mandated on cigarette packages and advertising due to potential health risks associated with smoking and tobacco use.