Trump to propose ban on flavorings used in e-cigarettes
President Donald Trump says his administration will propose banning thousands of flavors used in e-cigarettes amid an outbreak of breathing problems tied to vaping.
State and federal health authorities are investigating hundreds of breathing illnesses reported in people who have used e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
No single device, ingredient or additive has been identified.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar says the Food and Drug Administration will develop guidelines to remove all e-cigarette flavors from the market, especially those favored by children.
Locally, shops like Colorado Springs’ OYA VAPE say the ban on flavors would wipe out their business.
“What business? There would be no business to be had,” said OYA employee, Ty Culver.
And long-time users like Hailey Slager, who has been vaping since her High School days, says she cannot imagine a life without flavor.
“I would probably cry. I don’t know. That’s a terrifying thought,” she said.
The FDA regulates e-cigarettes and has authority to ban vaping flavors, but has resisted calls to take that step.
Instead, the agency has said it is studying the role of flavors in vaping products, including whether they help adult smokers quit traditional cigarettes.
KRDO + AP 2019
