FDA considers ban on flavored E-cigarettes because of teen vaping
It’s an epidemic that is sweeping the nation — more teenagers are vaping at increased levels. The FDA is now stepping in with possibly banning all flavored E-juices.
The agency announced it sent 1,100 warning letters to stores for illegally selling E-cigarettes to minors under the age of 18. Seven stores in Colorado Springs received warnings or fines for doing just that:
7-ELEVEN / CONOCO – 201 WEST FILMORE STREET MASTER VAPORS – 423 NORTH CIRCLE DRIVE EXTREME VAPE PENS – 6533 NORTH ACADEMY BOULEVARD 7-ELEVEN / SHELL – 1810 MAIN STREET KWIK WAY FOOD ‘N STUFF – 5676 NORTH UNION BOULEVARD CIRCLE K STORE #2709847 – 120 SOUTH ROCKRIMMON BOULEVARD ALTA CONVENIENCE / CONOCO – 2105 WEST COLORADO AVENUE
The head of the FDA called the action the largest coordinated enforcement effort in the agency’s history. They are giving major E-cigarette corporations 60 days to prove their products are not targets toward minors. If not, they may put a ban on flavored E-juices. They say the reason why more teens are vaping is because of the variety of flavors.
The announcement has left vape shops on edge about the future of their business. When Marissa Howard, the owner of Vapor Uprising in Colorado Springs, heard of the FDA’s proposal, she thought it was ridiculous. She says proving to the FDA that E-cigarette companies are trying to prevent teens from vaping is very difficult and doing it in 60 days is nearly impossible.
“It’s an unfair amount of time,” says Howard.
For Chelsea Baker, the manager of Oya Vape, if the ban does go into effect it would wipe out most of her inventory.
“It would be extremely detrimental,” Baker says, “That is our highest profit margin, that is our key factor in the vape industry.”
Howard agrees, saying she is now worried about the future of her business. “It’s terrifying and sad,” Howard says. “It would virtually wipe us out.”
Colorado Springs has seen the epidemic of teen vaping. Back in May, KRDO did a special report on underage vaping and why kids are so drawn to it. Most said it was because of the flavors, but it’s not just teenagers who prefer it, it’s also those who are allowed to vape.
“We have 50, 60-year-olds who’s favorite flavor is cotton candy. Just because we are old people doesn’t mean we don’t like things like skittles or butterscotch,” Howard said.
While teen vaping is up, teen cigarette usage is down. While both are not healthy options, the concern is if a ban were to be put in place for flavors, teens may go back to smoking cigarettes.
