Hempstead Town Eyeing Ban On E-Cigarette Flavorings

The Town of Hempstead is considering a ban on flavored e-cigarette liquids, citing their potential health risks and prevalent use among teens.

The law, proposed on Tuesday morning, is a bi-partisan bill supported by both Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen, a Democrat, and Town Council Majority Leader Erin King Sweeney, a Republican. The two were joined at the announcement of the bill by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Nassau County Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein, as well as other health and community activists.

"America's largest township is fighting against an epidemic of e-cigarette use among teenagers that threatens the decades-long progress our communities have made in reducing youth addiction to smoking," Gillen said. "We believe this legislation will help cut the shocking amount of e-cigarette vaping by young people and help prevent the next generation of children from falling prey to an alarming public health danger."

According to town officials, the bill would prohibit the sale of e-liquids or electronic aerosol delivery systems that contain e-liquids within the Town of Hempstead by Jan. 1, 2020. A public hearing is set for the bill on Sept. 24.

In recent weeks, many people have become sick from a lung condition that may be linked to vaping. It were those reports that spurred the action by the town.

"For months, we have seen countless disturbing reports of young people and teenagers being hospitalized with severe respiratory illnesses due to vaping," said King Sweeney. "These episode, and the tragic death of one individual in Illinois, make it clear that we must act immediately to protect the helath of our kids from the numerous and often unknown dangers associated with these highly addictive products, being used by teens in record numbers."

Many of the liquids that are used to flavor e-cigarettes and other vaping devices are largely unregulated, as the Food and Drug Administration's requirement deadline for the products is not until next year.

According to the National Tobacco Youth Survey, many teens say that they use vapes because of the flavors that are offered.

This is not the first law the Town of Hempstead has put forward to combat vaping. Last year, the town banned vaping in its parks. And earlier this year, it passed a law restricting where advertisements for vaping products can be placed. The town also requires that all stores that sell vaping products post signage that outline the potential risks and health hazards.

"The surge in e-cigarette use among teens and children is undeniable and alarming," said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. "We are committed to protecting our children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction and the many associated health risks that e-cigarettes bring. We must fight back against the big tobacco companies using aggressive marketing to get a whole new generation hooked on their toxic products."