Today, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), testified to the United States House of Representatives and members of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations about the steps Michigan is taking to address the public health crisis of youth e-cigarette use.
“Youth vaping is a public health emergency, and measures such as the flavor ban are necessary to protect public health,” said Khaldun. “We can no longer stand idly by while this public health crisis ravages our communities.”
Earlier this month, Michigan became the first state in the nation to announce it was banning the sale of all flavored nicotine vaping products and recently released the Protection of Youth from Nicotine Product Addiction Emergency Rules that are effective immediately, although retailers and resellers have until Oct. 2 to comply. The White House and other states have followed Michigan’s lead, including New York and Massachusetts.
“I’m glad that both the White House and other states have followed in Michigan’s footsteps in announcing a ban on flavored nicotine e-cigarettes,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Right now, companies are getting our kids hooked on nicotine by marketing flavors like apple juice, bubble gum and candy. Banning these flavors is a bold step that will keep our kids healthy and safe from the harmful effects of vaping. I’m proud that Michigan has been a leader on this issue, and I’m ready to continue working to protect our kids and our public health.”
The total number of children who are currently using e-cigarettes rose to an astonishing 3.6 million in 2018, 1.5 million more than the previous year. Since 2014, e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the United States.
“The data regarding the epidemic of youth vaping is clear. We must do more to properly regulate these products so that no one, youth or adult, is harmed,” said Khaldun.
The testimony was shared during the hearing for “Sounding the Alarm; The Public Health Threats of E-cigarettes.” Khaldun joined a panel of public health experts from the FDA, CDC and the North Carolina, Kansas and Massachusetts health departments.
For the full testimony and more information about e-cigarettes, visit Michigan.gov/E-cigarettes.
