American Lung Association Disappointed by Reports of Forthcoming White House Announcement to Allow Flavored E-Cigarettes to Remain on Market

Statement of American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer in response to reports that federal guidance on flavored e-cigarette products, expected to be released soon:

“The American Lung Association is deeply disappointed to hear reports that the Administration intends to release a guidance that will allow menthol-flavored Juul and thousands of flavors of e-cigarettes sold in vape shops to remain on the market. The White House’s proposed plan is not a “compromise.” This proposal will only compromise the health of our nation’s children. It is disturbing to see the results of industry lobbying to undermine public health protections, especially when the health and lives of our nation’s youth are at stake.  

“I was honored to represent the American Lung Association at the White House discussion with President Trump in 2019 about protecting the lung health of our nation from the dangers of e-cigarettes. The reports of this forthcoming plan would mean that it falls well short of the President’s September 11 announcement that would have cleared the markets of all flavored e-cigarettes, including those sold at vape shops. 

“The Lung Association is committed to redoubling our efforts at the federal, state and local levels to push FDA for meaningful action to reduce youth tobacco use, including ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars and hookah. We will also continue to warn the public about the health risks associated with e-cigarette use and vaping.”

Learn more about e-cigarettes and lung health at Lung.org/ecigs. For media interested in speaking with an expert about e-cigarettes, tobacco use and lung health, contact Stephanie Goldina at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7629.