The New York government, Andrew Cuomo, issues an emergency decree banning flavored electronic cigarettes

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an emergency decree banning sales of flavored electronic cigarettes to crack down on sales by minors.

The order is Cuomo's next decision on vaping after announcing Monday its intention to ban flavored electronic cigarettes amid growing national health concerns related to vaping.

State officials will also step up their efforts to penalize retailers who sell tobacco and e-cigarettes to minors.

According to data from the New York State Department of Health, nearly 40% of high school students and 27% of high school students "do not use electronic cigarettes," according to a press release.

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At a press conference Sunday, Cuomo has imputed the 160% increase from 2014 to aromas such as chewing gum, cotton candy and the "Captain Crunch" that are "obviously aimed at young people ".

"New York is facing this crisis head on and we are taking another decisive step in the fight against a public health emergency today," Cuomo said in a statement. "Manufacturers of fruit and candy flavored electronic cigarettes are deliberately and recklessly targeting young people, and we are taking steps today to stop them."

Aromas of electronic cigarettes such as menthol and tobacco will not be banned on the basis of the recommendations of New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, as smokers often resort to e-cigarettes to wean themselves off when nothing is done. Worked, "Cuomo said.

However, "that could change in the future," Cuomo added.

On Thursday, Cuomo signed a decree asking state agencies to roll out vaping awareness programs, which will then be implemented in school systems, the statement said.

New York State will also increase the legal age for buying tobacco at age 21 as of November 13.