On September 17, New York became the second US state to ban sales of flavoured E-cigarettes. With the number of lung illness-related deaths rising, the Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo of the state commanded immediate action against vaping. The use of E-Cigarettes had been rising, especially among teenagers. An urgent meeting was called by the Governor of the Public Health and Health Planning Council of state to discuss the proposal of a ban on all flavoured E-cigarettes. An exemption has been given to menthol and tobacco flavours for now.

READ | E-cigarettes Ban In India: ICMR Recommends Complete Ban To Prevent Nicotine Addiction Among Non-smokers

Companies target youth

Sellers have been given two weeks to get rid of these products from their stores. The State Health Department's data the number of high school students vaping have become twice in 2 years. Over 27% reportedly admitted to having used the E-cigarettes in last 30 days. E-Cigarettes have flavours like cotton candy and bubblegum which lure the younger generation into vaping. Many health groups feared that exemption to menthol would cause the youngsters to move towards it.

Governor Cuomo speaking to public radio on September 16, said that such flavours are used to attract youngsters. He called it a public crisis and said that it would end that day. He said that the health consequences of such vaping devices were still unknown. US President Donald Trump's administration has announced ideas to have vape-free stores all over.

READ | E-cigarettes Can Be Injurious Too, E-cigarette Explosion Causes Serious Injuries To 46-year-old

The health officials have issued warnings 

As per reports more than 400 individuals in the US suffer from a lung-related disease which may have been caused by vaping. E-Cigarettes became accessible to the US public since 2006. Health officials have issued warnings to people so that they avoid buying E-Cigarettes or any marijuana-related products. They want people to stop the use of vapour-related products mainly containing Vitamin E acetate.

The State Health Commissioner plans to expand ban in order to cover the exempted products as well. The legal age for smoking in the state has also been increased to 21 after the Governor signed legislation in 2019. Other states in the US are also planning to ban the sales of E-Cigarettes. 

READ: What I The Difference Between 'E-Cigarettes' And 'Cigarettes'?

READ: Government Mulling Options To Enforce Ban On E-cigarettes, Nicotine Flavoured Hookahs