According to a statement made by President Donald Trump on Sept. 11, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration may be banning flavored e-cigarettes and vape pens from the market.

Days are Numbered for Flavored Nicotine Products

According to USA Today, President Trump has stated that new enforcement policies are coming for e cigs and vape pens, following the reports of the numerous health hazards of e cigs. “It’s causing a lot of problems and we’re going to have to do something about it,” Trump stated.

First Lady Melania Trump also reportedly commented on the health hazards of e cigs, posting a tweet saying “I am deeply concerned about the growing epidemic of e-cigarette use in our children. We need to do all we can to protect the public from tobacco-related disease and death, and prevent e-cigarettes from becoming an on-ramp to nicotine addiction for a generation of youth.”

According to Alex Azar, the Health and Human Services Secretary, a newly proposed e-cigarette and vape pen enforcement policy would require manufacturers to remove flavored versions of these devices from the U.S. market.

During a meeting with President Trump at the White House, Azar stated according to CNN, “It’ll take several weeks for us to put out the final guidance that will announce all the parameters around the enforcement policy, and then there will likely be about a 30-day delay to effective date, as is customary.”

The goal of the policy is to remove all e-cigarettes and vaping devices that have flavors other than tobacco from the market.

E-cigarette manufacturers may be able to file for approval by the FDA, but until approval is granted, all flavored products would continue to be banned from the market.

Health Hazards of E Cigs

E-cigarette and vape pen companies including Juul have been criticized by parents and teachers as well as healthcare professionals for allegedly marketing these devices to teens and children.

Many nicotine vape pods come in fun flavors geared to attract the attention of teens and children, including candy, dessert, and cereal flavors. However, although these nicotine pods may taste sweet and harmless, there are many health hazards associated with the devices.

In addition to the risks associated with tobacco and nicotine addiction, there may be unique health hazards of e cigs. At least six people in the U.S. have died from vape-related lung diseases, and healthcare professionals have not yet pinpointed the cause of these illnesses. At least 450 cases of possible vape-related lung illnesses have been reported across the country.

Vape pens and e-cigarettes may cause users to suffer from seizures, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal side effects, lung spasms and pain, tremors, and nicotine poisoning.

Victims who have suffered from seizures or other severe side effects as a result of using e cigarettes or vape pens may be able to hire an attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the device manufacturer. Victims who file lawsuits may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.