Groups Call on Legislators to Learn the Facts About Growing E-Cigarette Threat to Kids; Hosts Event to Highlight Dangers of Unregulated and Flavored E-Cigs
Policy Panel Hosted by Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont Set for Tomorrow
WILLISTON, VT - WHO: The policy panel is being hosted by the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont, supported by the American Lung Association in Vermont, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Scheduled speakers include: Jan Carney MD, MPH, UVMMC; Graham Atkins, MD, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and Bella Elizabeth McCarthy, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.
WHAT: Policy panel for state lawmakers on electronic cigarettes. The panel will focus on emerging science, flavoring and the impact of electronic cigarettes on the lungs, including a case study of a Vermont patient who suffered severe lung problems due to flavoring. Panelists will also address the high prevalence of electronic cigarette use among Vermont high school students
WHEN: Friday, February 19 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Vermont State House, Room 10, 115 State Street Montpelier, VT 05633-5301
WHY: The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont is concerned about e-cigarettes becoming a gateway to regular cigarettes, especially in light of the aggressive industry marketing tactics targeted at youth—including the use of candy flavors and the glamorization of e-cigarette use. Studies are showing a dramatic increase in usage of e-cigarettes, especially among youth. According to the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 30% of Vermont high school students report having ever used electronic vapor products, including e-cigarettes. Fifteen percent of Vermont high school students reported using electronic vapor products in last 30 days (compared to 11% for cigarettes). E-cigarette legislation introduced in Vermont includes: H.171 to prohibit vaping of e-cigarettes in areas protected by Vermont’s Clean Indoor Air laws, and H.59 to prevent the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.
The media is invited and encouraged to attend. For more information on Vermont efforts contact: Rebecca Ryan – American Lung Association, at [email protected], Jill Sudhoff Guerin – American Cancer Society at [email protected]; Tina Zuk -- American Heart Association at[email protected]
About the American Lung Association of the Northeast
The American Lung Association of the Northeast is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. The American Lung Association in the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT. Lung.org
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