WHITE PLAINS – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D, NY17) is asking the acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to finalize regulations on new tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, flavored hookahs, and flavored cigars.
Lowey told the officials that consumers, especially youth, must be protected from “harmful unregulated chemicals in e-cigarettes, which are marketed to children with flavors like bubble gun, gummy bear, and Swedish fish.
“Research overwhelming shows nicotine exposure can harm the adolescent brain and cause cognitive impairment, attention deficits, and other health issues,” Lowey said.
Lowey announced her action during a kick-off event in White Plains for Red Ribbon Month 2015, a national celebration during the month of October to promote drug-free life for youths and adults. She said tobacco and its related products continue to remain the “gateway” to the use and abuse of other drugs among youths.
