Amid National Crisis, RI Lawmaker To Introduce Flavored Vape Ban

Amid national reports of students as young as middle school vaping, a North Kingstown representative is looking to take action in the ocean state. On Tuesday, Rep. Julie A. Casimiro announced that she plans on introducing a bill to ban flavored e-cigarettes in the state.

"It’s undebatable that our country's youth are using e-cigarettes and vaping devices at crisis levels and that their health is in direct danger from using these products," Rep. Casimiro said. "It is also not debatable that the allure of many youth to vaping comes from the wide-variety of candy-like and fruit flavors that are being offered with the expressed purpose of hooking a new generation on these dangerous products. Simply put, these products need to be taken off the shelves for the health and safety of our children."

The North Kingstown Democrat said the legislation will be modeled after a recently passed bill in Michigan, the first state in the country to pass such a ban.

"These devices and products are relatively new in the marketplace and not one expert or doctor knows the potential dangers of using these products, especially in regard to the still-developing bodies of our kids," Casimiro said. "Combine this with the deceptive marketing practices that are labeling vaping products as safer than cigarettes, I feel direct legislative action is needed in order to combat this growing public health emergency."

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, there were 380 cases of pulmonary illness possibly linked to vaping reported across the country, as of Sept. 11. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC are investigating, the Rhode Island Department of Health said. So far, no illnesses have been reported in Rhode Island.

In most cases, patients reported trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. While one adult has died, most cases are adolescents and young adults.

"There are still some unknowns when it comes to e-cigarettes, but one thing is very clear: e-cigarettes are not safe, particularly for young people and for pregnant women," RIDOH Deputy Director Ana Novais said. "In addition to being unhealthy, teenagers often transition from using e-cigarettes to traditional, lit cigarettes—the deadliest of all tobacco products."