TOMS RIVER – In the midst of the ongoing “vaping crisis,” as some media outlets are calling it, Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari is calling on state lawmakers to ban vaping for the dangers it poses to children.
“As a lifelong educator, I see a growing problem with underage vaping in our schools and communities,” said Vicari, former educator in the Berkley Township School District. “These electronic cigarettes come in fruit and candy flavors that are obviously targeting our children.”
Vicari said he would support legislation proposed by state Senator Steven Sweeny that would ban outright the sale of vaping products.
“Manufacturers are combining sweet flavors with nicotine in an effort to get young people hooked,” he said. “We need to cut off this problem now.”
The NY Post and CNN are just a few that have coined the recent slew of illnesses and half-a-dozen deaths associated with the devices, the “vaping crisis.” Not only this, but President Trump has also called for a nationwide ban following the reported deaths.
The CDC reports that over 450 vaping-related illnesses have been reported in 33 states so far.
Hopkinsmedicine.org claims that vaping exposes users to nicotine and other potentially hazardous compounds.
“While the law currently bans the sale of vaping products to those under the age of 18, vapes are easily available online,” Vicari said. “This is a growing problem that is only going to get worse if we do not act.”
Children who might never have picked up a traditional cigarette are getting hooked on vaping products, which contain a much higher concentration of nicotine than tobacco cigarettes.
“Lives are at risk. We need to protect our children,” said Vicari. “E-cigarettes have never received Food and Drug Administration approval as devices that help smokers quit,” he added.
