FDA to Probe Inhalable Caffeine

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. (More caffeine stories.)