LIVE VIDEO: Raimondo Announces 120 Day Ban on Flavored Vaping Products

LIVE VIDEO: Raimondo Announces 120 Day Ban on Flavored Vaping Products

Video provided by GoLocal content partner Reynaldo Almonte 

Governor Gina Raimondo is moving forward with a very limited ban on flavored vaping products. The restriction will be implemented under emergency regulations and she cites that the move is intended to limit access to children.

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Children however are already barred from purchasing and using the products.  

On Tuesday, it looked and sounded like Raimondo was going to issue broad-reaching restrictions on vaping products. Wednesday’s reality is a far more scaled back initiative.

Raimondo announced that flavored e-cigarette products will be banned for 120 days.

The initiative may be more ceremonial than substantive as these products are already banned from being sold anyone under 18.

“As Governor and as a mom, I’m concerned about the long-term effects of e-cigarette use, particularly on our young people,” said Raimondo. “Companies are specifically targeting teens with colorful packaging and flavors. But recent reported injuries and deaths make clear that we do not have a full understanding of the associated risks. It’s critical that we act now to protect our kids.”

“The emergency regulations will put a halt to the sale of flavored e-cigarette products. Although you are correct that e-cigarettes (flavored or unflavored) cannot be sold to people younger than 18, these products are heavily marketed to children. Studies have shown that more than 80% of youth e-cigarette users cite the availability of appealing flavors as the primary reason for their use,” said Joseph Wendleken, spokesperson for the RI Department of Health.

“The reason for the focus on e-cigarettes is because the youth usage rates for e-cigarettes are now alarmingly high. 20% of Rhode Island high school students report regular e-cigarette use, and 15% of middle school students report having experimented with them,” added Wendelken.

According to the American Lung Association, more than 1,700 Rhode Islanders die each year due to smoking.

The Department of Health confirmed that no Rhode Islanders have become ill or died due to e-cigarettes.