New York declares ‘emergency’ ban on flavoured e-cigarettes after vaping linked to several deaths

New York imposed an statewide “emergency” ban on flavoured e-cigarettes amid a rising national epidemic of serious respiratory illness – and several deaths – linked to vaping.

“Vaping is dangerous,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a news conference. “It’s addicting millions of young people to nicotine at a very early age.”

Jason Conwall, a spokesman for the governor, said the ban would cover thousands of flavours of e-cigarettes and vaping liquid like mango, bubblegum and candyfloss. Mint, a popular flavour among young people, would be included in the ban. However, menthol and tobacco flavours, which are used mostly by adults, would not be.

Almost 400 cases of respiratory ailments in three dozen states have been linked to vaping, and at least six people have died. Health officials haven’t pinned down the exact cause of the illnesses or one particular product.

Vaping is embroiled in controversy as it has attracted millions of users, both for tobacco and cannabis. Advocates say it’s less harmful than smoking and can be useful in quitting tobacco products – a view held widely in Europe.

The recent spate of illnesses has underscored what opponents say are its dangers: that nicotine remains highly addictive, is unsafe especially for young people and that the products generally have been allowed to be sold widely with little regulation.