Soon after e-cigarette manufacturer, Juul announced that it is suspending its social media campaigns and getting rid of several e-cig flavors, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a plan to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, and impose a new set of restrictions on the sales of flavored e-cigarettes in retail stores. According to a CBS News report, these flavored e-cigarettes will now be limited to closed-off areas that are not accessible to minors.
The FDA wants to ban menthol cigarettes because these products are associated with increased addiction. Because of its cooling effects, menthol reduces the harshness of cigarette smoke making it more appealing and easier for new smokers to pick up the habit and get addicted. In addition, younger people have the highest rate of smoking menthol cigarettes.
Crackdown on E-Cigarettes
The FDA is also expanding its crackdown on e-cigarettes proposing new limitations on sales of flavored vaping products on the grounds that they are extremely addictive and have soared in popularity among young people. The FDA was in fact expected to ban the sale of flavored e-cigs in convenience stores and gas stations. However, it stopped short of doing that and required stores to sell these products only in areas that are closed off to minors.
Experts have repeatedly raised concerns about e-cigarette manufacturers attracting minors with fruit and candy flavors. Studies have found that kids using e-cigarettes are more likely to grow up and try tobacco cigarettes. Other research has shown that e-cigarette use could lead to lung damage and potentially, cancer.
Earlier this week, Juul Labs, which holds more than 70 percent of the e-cigarette market share, announced it will stop selling its flavored nicotine pods, including mango, fruit, creme, and cucumber, at more than 90,000 retail stores nationwide. These products will still be sold online, but Juul will take additional steps to verify buyers’ age and block sales to anyone under 21. Juul also announced it was shutting down some of its social media accounts, which are popular with young people.
E-cigarette Dangers
Our law firm has been vocal about warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes, not just in terms of health effects, but also the dangers posed by exploding e-cigarettes that could result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered health complications as a result of smoking e-cigarettes or if you have been injured in an e-cigarette explosion, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages. Contact an experienced product defect lawyer for more information about your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-proposes-ban-on-menthol-cigarettes-restrictions-on-sales-of-flavored-e-cigarettes/
