Lane County is leading the way on banning electronic cigarette sales to minors. Other governments need to follow suit — and fast.

The urgency for action was underscored Tuesday by a survey showing e-cigs’ growing popularity with children. The National Institutes of Health said nearly 9 percent of eighth-graders reported using an e-cig in the previous month. Among high school seniors, the percentage of e-cig users was 17 percent.

E-cigs are considered less dangerous than regular cigarettes, and advocates argue they can help current smokers reduce their risks.

But the problem for kids is different. Unlike highly regulated cigarettes, e-cigs can be advertised freely, displayed in stores and purchased by children. They can be designed in flavors and packaging that particularly appeal to youngsters.

And they can lead to nicotine addiction.

The Lane County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance Tuesday that affects only businesses outside the county’s cities. It not only bans the sale to minors, but it also makes it illegal for minors to possess e-cigs, according to The Register-Guard newspaper.

Some commissioners objected to other provisions that set a $200 fee for annual business licenses and established penalties they deemed too harsh. The ordinance also requires minors to attend an education class on first offense and sets fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 for repeat offenders.

Those provisions may be appropriate, but our concern is with immediately stopping sales to children. Every day of delay opens the opportunity for another child to start down a damaging road.

The Lane County ordinance might have limited effect, but it’s a good start that we hope other local governments — including Lane County’s cities — will follow.

Better yet would be prompt statewide legislation, but local governments shouldn’t wait. They should act promptly to protect their children from this important threat.