Idaho Health and Welfare Board raises alarm about flavored e-cigs

vaping

The Idaho Board of Health and Welfare says the state faces a public health crisis from vaping, and is calling on Governor Brad Little to consider a comprehensive array of options to address it, including possibly banning flavored e-cigarettes.

The state has had 10 cases of vaping-related lung injury so far, with ages of those involved ranging from 16 to 55. Nine of the 10 cases have been confirmed to have involved THC or cannabis products, while one involved vaping nicotine only.

Thus far, the state’s response has been focused on messaging, to let Idahoans, and particularly young people, know the dangers of vaping. However, health board members want further action, and passed a motion to ask the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to provide the panel with a comprehensive list of actions to take to protect Idahoans from the health crisis.

Governor Little says his administration is watching the issue closely to determine the best way for the state to engage in the health concerns surrounding vaping.

Meanwhile, Boise state Senator Fred Martin, a non-voting member of the board who chairs the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, plans to bring back his bill to raise the smoking age to 21. It’s failed twice before, though Martin feels the vaping situation may give his measure more traction.   (Idaho Press)

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