DeLauro Statement on New Data Showing E-Cigarette Use Tripled In the Past Year

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showing that e-cigarette use has tripled in the past year. DeLauro serves on the subcommittees responsible for funding the CDC and FDA.

“I am deeply concerned that e-cigarette usage tripled in just one year and now exceeds cigarette use among our youth. The public health threat posed by tobacco products is well known. Studies show that e-cigarettes contain not only nicotine, but also many other harmful chemicals. I have urged FDA to finalize its rule keeping e-tobacco products away from kids by April 25 so we that can continue to curb the growth of nicotine device usage among our youth, which today’s data shows is in historic decline.

“We cannot afford a setback in the progress we have made limiting tobacco use. Consumers need to understand the possible health consequences of using e-cigarettes and the need to keep these toxic nicotine delivery devices out of our children’s’ hands.”

Last July DeLauro wrote to then-FDA Commissioner Hamburg, urging her to finalize the proposed rule banning e-cigarette sales to minors by April 25. She also urged the FDA to ban “child-friendly flavorings” such as chocolate or bubble gum and “youth-oriented marketing practices” such as celebrity endorsements. That letter can be read here.


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