American Lung Association Applauds Federal Enforcement Coordination to Address Illegal E-Cigarettes

Today, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new multi-agency task force to address the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement in response to the announcement:

“The American Lung Association applauds this announcement for much needed enhanced coordination between the Department of Justice, Food and Drug Administration and law enforcement agencies to enforce the law on companies that continue to sell, distribute and import illegal tobacco products aimed at addicting our nation’s youth to tobacco products. For too long, manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers have acted without regard for the law or public health. The Lung Association has urged enhanced law enforcement actions be taken to hold manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors accountable for selling illegal tobacco products and to protect the public health, especially children’s health. 

“Nationally, youth vaping continues to be a serious public health concern with more than 2.1 million middle and high school students reporting that they have used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days. The data also underscore how addicted youth are to these products. 25% of youth who use e-cigarettes are vaping daily. Many of the illegal e-cigarettes currently on the market are flavored products, which attract youth. Among youth who currently use e-cigarettes, nearly 90% use a flavored product, such as menthol and mixed-berry. 

“The American Lung Association commends the DOJ, FDA and other agencies involved in this task force. Ongoing and coordinated enforcement is necessary to remove the illegal and addictive tobacco products from the market.”

The Lung Association has resources to prevent tobacco use and help youth quit, specifically designed for schools, parents and teens, including TalkAboutVaping.org, our Vape-Free Schools Initiative and more resources available online.