US: States Ban E-cigarettes And Vaping Products in Response To Rising Numbers Of Lung Disease Patients

US: States ban e-cigarettes and vaping products in response to rising numbers of lung disease patients

 

As of Sept. 24, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 805 cases of lung injury related to the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Twelve deaths have been confirmed in California (2), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas (2), Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri and Oregon.

 

Vaping, vaporizers, pens, hookah pens, e-cigarettes, and e-pipes are some of the terms used to describe electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). ENDS are non-combustible tobacco products.

 

The "e-liquid" used in these products may contain nicotine, as well as different ingredients of flavoring, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and other ingredients. This liquid is heated to form an aerosol that users inhale.

 

As these cases rise, states are taking serious action to address the outbreak by implementing bans on e-cigarettes and vaping products.

The states that prohibit the use of these products are:

 

Michigan

On September 4, Michigan Governor Whitmer ordered the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to issue emergency regulations prohibiting the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products in retail stores and online, as well as prohibiting misleading marketing of vaping products, including the use of words such as "clean" , "safety" and "health" in an attempt to conceal the harmfulness of these products.
The emergency ban came into effect on September 18 and will last for 180 days. After that, it could be extended for another six months, and Michigan lawmakers are working on a permanent policy.

New York state

On Sept. 17, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids, such as bubble gum, Captain Crunch and cotton candy.
New York State will begin enforcing the ban on October 4. After that, retailers could face fines of up to $2,000 if they are caught selling nicotine-flavored products.

Massachusetts

On September 24, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued a Governor's Emergency Declaration calling for a statewide ban on online sales and retail of all marijuana and tobacco vaping products, as well as related flavored or other products.
The ban took effect on the same day and will remain in effect until further notice.

Rhode Island

On Sept. 25, Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo signed an executive order directing the Department of Health to create emergency regulations to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. The executive order also implements a series of other measures aimed at deterring young people from starting vaping.
The decree takes effect immediately.

California

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directing the California Department of Public Health to develop recommendations to reduce the availability of vaping products to those under the age of 21 and to establish standards requiring e-cigarette retailers to post warning signs about the health risks of vaping .
The recommendation will be submitted to the Governor's Office by October 14, 2019.
California has yet to enact a statewide ban on vaping

New Jersey

On September 12, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 84, establishing the Vaping Devices Task Force to develop a comprehensive strategy to protect New Jersey residents from the dangers of vaping.
The task force will submit recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature and the public within 21 days.

Ohio

On Oct. 1, Gov. Mike DeWine called for a statewide ban on the sale of flavored vaping products, including peppermint and menthol. The ban will not include tobacco-flavored products, according to the governor's office.