End the nicotine trap

A Juul representative told a ninth-grade classroom its product is "totally safe." This isn't true, though.

Recent studies show that nicotine vaping -- which has skyrocketed among teens in recent years -- could be linked to serious health risks, including seizures, heart attacks and worsened asthma.

In adolescents, nicotine exposure can impair brain development, impact learning and contribute to mood disorders. It can also increase the risk of addiction to other dangerous substances. Young adults who vape are three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes, one of the deadliest habits around.

Subject: Restrict the sale of flavored e-cigarettes

Your Letter:

I am concerned about the rising rates of nicotine vaping among teens, especially after two teens testified before the House Oversight Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy that a Juul representative told their ninth-grade classroom that their product is "totally safe." But in reality, nicotine use carries significant health risks, especially for young people.

Recent studies show that nicotine vaping could be linked to seizures, heart attacks and worsened asthma. Meanwhile, millions of kids are drawn to vaping by the sweet-tasting flavors sold by e-cigarette companies. According to a 2013-2014 survey, eighty-one percent of teens who vape said the main reason they do so is the availability of appealing flavors. Now, they're getting hooked on a highly addictive chemical.

In adolescents, nicotine use can impair brain development, impact learning and contribute to mood disorders. It can also increase the risk of future addiction to other dangerous substances. Young adults who vape are three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes, one of the deadliest habits around.

I urge you to support Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-Cigarettes for Kids (SAFE Kids) Act , introduced by Senator Durbin and Senator Murkowski.  The legislation would greatly restrict the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, and ban cigar flavors altogether, in order to keep kids from getting caught in the nicotine trap.

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