New York announces ban on the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes

Last week, the US administration said that, following a number of cases of vaping related illnesses, it could ban the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes.

In the last few years, there’s been an epidemic in teenagers taking up vaping. Many health groups have criticised the industry, saying that they’re deliberately targeting younger consumers, many of whom are non-smokers.

And after the CDC recommendations that young adults and non-smokers avoid e-cigarettes, and those who do buy them avoid buying products that aren’t regulated, New York has just announced that it will be introducing an emergency ban on flavoured e-cigarettes.

The announcement was made over the weekend, by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This emergency order follows 400 cases of lung diseases which have been linked to, what’s thought to be, illegal e-cigarette products.

Health officials believe that the “epidemic” of e-cigarette use in young people is very concerning. These products are aimed at smokers, but they’re increasingly being used by teenagers who are suffering from health problems as a result.

In a statement, Cuomo said New York is “confronting this crisis head-on” and taking a “nation-leading step to combat a public health emergency. He added: Vaping is dangerous. At a minimum, it is addicting young people to nicotine at a very early age.”

Cuomo went on to say that there had been an increase in the sale of flavours like cotton candy and bubble gum since 2014. Under the new law, flavours like tobacco and menthol wouldn’t be banned, as these are normally used as a quit smoking tool by adults.

However, flavours that are deemed to be aimed at children and young adults will be prohibited as an emergency measure. “Manufacturers of fruit and candy-flavoured e-cigarettes are intentionally and recklessly targeting young people, and today we’re taking action to put an end to it,” Cuomo said.