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Vaping Increase Among Kids Becomes A Cause For Concern

In the last year alone, there has been a severe vaping increase with an 80% jump among high schoolers and 50% among middle schoolers.

The startling news has resulted in new measures proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Actions are being taken against flavored nicotine products that have sparked the rise in e-cigarette use.

“These data shock my conscience,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in a statement, proposing to strengthen the agency’s policies against flavored e-cigarette products. These proposals could ultimately prompt their removal from shelves and websites that are accessible to minors.


The changes that have been proposed do not include mint, menthol and tobacco flavors.

Gottlieb said he wanted keep the opportunity for adults who might use these products to quit smoking cigarettes, but that should not result in an “epidemic” of kids becoming addicted.

“We will not allow that opportunity to come at the expense of addicting a whole new generation of kids to nicotine,” Gottlieb said.

Gottlieb has also proposed additional bans on regular menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, along with being stricter towards products marketed or “appealing to youth.”

“This could include using popular children’s cartoon or animated characters, or names of products favored by kids like brands of candy or soda,” the announcement said.

A vape debate continues between consumers and health experts as some view it as a way for adults to quit smoking, while others call into question the lack of supporting evidence. 

“We’re committed to utilizing the full range of our regulatory authorities to directly target the places kids are getting these products and address the role flavors and marketing are playing,” Gottlieb said. “We will leave no stone unturned. This is one of our highest priorities.”