Hundreds Sign Petition To Ban Flavored Vape Sales In Foxborough

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A petition urging a ban of all flavored vaping materials from convenience stores in town was submitted to the board of health on Monday.

Dr. Lester Hartman, of Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics Associates, started the petition and obtained 221 signatures, mostly from concerned parents.

According to Hartman, nicotine addiction isn't the only threat vape products, especially the flavored ones cause. He told the Sun Chronicle the products cause the inhalation of food products not meant for the lungs.

“As parents of children in the Town of Foxborough, we insist that our Board of Health restrict flavored nicotine and tobacco products immediately, only allowing their sale in smoke and vape shops that are 21+ to enter, Hartman's petition said. "We do not want our children exposed to these dangerous and addictive products when they go into our local convenience stores."

Local school and health officials say that vaping, although originally intended as a way to quit smoking, is becoming a widespread problem in schools, as teens become addicted to nicotine. Mansfield High School tried dealing with the problem by removing the doors between hallways and restrooms to make it harder for students to have a place to vape in school.

The board of health said it will consider the petition at a later date.

For more on this story, check out the Sun Chronicle.

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