Musings: Stop selling vape products
E-cigarette products remain popular because of the high levels of nicotine, youth-targeted marketing, and flavorings. Credit: Getty Images / iStockphoto
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing application for JUUL menthol and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes — vape products — so they will continue to be sold. They have never met the Tobacco Control Act’s public health standard, and this decision risks more harm to young people.
Menthol flavoring makes initiation easier, addiction stronger, and quitting more difficult. The e-cigarette products remain popular due to the high levels of nicotine, youth-targeted marketing, and flavorings. According to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, more than 23% of U.S. high school e-cigarette users use menthol-flavored products.
Current research on the hazards of e-cigarettes reports high levels of heavy metals, and vaping can affect the heart, lungs, and brain.
Ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes, will help protect public health, decrease health care costs, and save lives.
— Christine Fardellone, East Meadow
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