E-cigarette deaths prompt bipartisan response
Around 400 people are suffering from respiratory illnesses and six have died after using electronic cigarettes, sparking a rare bipartisan response in Washington. After President Donald Trump announced that the FDA would ban the sale of flavorings for the devices, the spotlight is now on lawmakers of both parties who are considering legislation. Three guests join the show this week to explain the reasons behind this push and the challenges facing lawmakers moving forward: Dr. Jonathan Winickoff, a professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School who was previously head of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ consortium trying to stop kids from using tobacco; Rep. Donna Shalala, the Florida Democrat and former secretary of Health and Human Services during Bill Clinton’s presidency; and CQ Roll Call reporter Andrew Siddons, who covers the issue.
Show Notes:
- Trump orders end to flavored e-cigarette sales amid vaping-linked illnesses
- New FDA cigarette labels include realistic images of smoking-related health problems
- High school e-cigarette use is exploding and reversing prevention gains
- McConnell introduces bill making the legal smoking age 21
- FDA Plans Crackdown on Flavored E-Cigarettes
- Juul under continued scrutiny over flavors, marketing tactics
- Debate on e-cigarettes lights up 10 years after FDA tobacco law