The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, announced this Sunday an “executive emergency action” to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes of flavors to stop “deceptive” sales practices aimed at minors. At least six people have died in the United States due to diseases that could be related to the use of electronic cigarettes.
“New York is facing this crisis head-on. Today we adopt another innovative measure at the national level to combat a public health emergency,” Cuomo explained at a press conference. The executive order, which will enter into force on October 4, also raises the minimum purchase age of electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21 years.
“The manufacturers of electronic cigarettes flavored with fruit and sweets intentionally go for the young. Today we adopt measures to put an end to it. At the same time, unscrupulous shops sell with vacancy products to minors. Those establishments now know that we are going to increase vigilance: they will be taken and prosecuted, “he explained, according to NBC television.
The State Police will also collaborate with the Department of Health to conduct undercover investigations under the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act. The executive order also provides that businesses that sell tobacco and vaping products to minors will be criminally prosecuted, in addition to civil proceedings.
Nearly 400 people have been diagnosed with lung conditions that could be related to vaping, according to the Center for Congrol and Disease Prevention. Six of them have died and the authorities have warned that vaping could be responsible.
© 2019 Europa Press.
