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The Trump administration announced Wednesday its intention to ban the sale of tobacco-free electronic cigarettes in this time of crisis.
"The Trump Administration has made it clear that we intend to eliminate the market for flavored electronic cigarettes in order to end the epidemic that is deeply troubling to young people, families, schools and schools. , families and schools, "said Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said in a statement. "We will not stand idly by as these products become a ramp to fuel cigarettes or nicotine addiction for a generation of young people."
Michigan became the first state to ban the sale of most flavored electronic cigarettes last week, with the bold goal of tackling the vaping epidemic among miners. The ban, which will come into effect in a few weeks, will cover online and in-store sales of all flavors of electronic cigarettes, with the exception of tobacco.
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San Francisco was the first major US city to ban e-cigarettes, as municipal supervisors unanimously passed in June.
Federal health authorities have reported an epidemic of mysterious diseases related to popular devices.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of vaping-related illnesses has climbed to at least 450 cases in 33 states, warning people against the use of electronic cigarettes, especially those bought in the street on Friday.
At least six deaths related to the vaping-related respiratory illness have been reported.
The administrative meeting is being held as members of Congress and lawmakers call for energetic action.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said Tuesday that the US Food and Drug Administration should consider recalling electronic cigarettes as part of its ongoing investigation into deaths and diseases related to vaping.
"I am more and more concerned that a generation of young people have been deceived into thinking that electronic cigarettes are safe," he said. tweeted.
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he would push forward a bill to ban flavored electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices.
"The increase in the number of diseases associated with vaping is a frightening public health phenomenon," Cuomo said on Monday.
The first lady, Melania Trump, also addressed the issue in a statement this week.
"I am deeply concerned by the growing epidemic of electronic cigarette use in our children", she wrote. "We must do everything in our power to protect the public from tobacco-related illness and death and to prevent e-cigarettes from becoming a nicotine addiction phenomenon for a generation of young people."
Welker and Jackson reported from Washington, Griffith reported from New York.
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