FDA’s Delay on Juul, other Tobacco Products Puts Denver Kids at Risk

In response to the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s announcement regarding flavored e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the American Lung Association’s Senior Director of Advocacy, JoAnna Strother, issued the following statement: 
  
“FDA clearly missed an opportunity to take meaningful action by punting on any decisions regarding the most prominent e-cigarettes with the largest market share. These products are marketed to our youth and are popular among youth. The FDA’s failure makes it clear that local protections are needed.

“When the federal government fails to protect our youth and our communities, we need our state and local elected officials to act to protect the health of Denver’s youth.  The time for protective action is now. Every day that these extremely addictive products remain on the market our youth and communities are at risk.  

The most commonly used products like Juul and Vuse will continue to be sold in Denver because FDA has so far failed to follow the science and order these products removed from the market. 

“Denver’s kids need protective laws today. The Lung Association urges Denver City Council to take action and end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes.” 

The Lung Association has resources to prevent tobacco use and help youth quit, specifically designed for schools, parents and teens, including Get Your Head Out of the Cloud, and our Vape-Free Schools Initiative as well as more resources available online.  

For media interested in speaking with an expert, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or at 312-445-2501.