(New York, USA) — Statement from Dr. Neil Schluger, Senior Advisor for Science at Vital Strategies, on the announcement of FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s resignation:
“We greatly appreciated Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s attempts to stop the increasing advent of youth vaping in the United States and his efforts to restrict the sales of flavored e-cigarettes through an FDA rule that is now under consideration. But this has very much been unfinished business. We sincerely hope his departure will not deter the FDA from focusing on this critical public health issue and urge it to be even more proactive in stemming this epidemic.
CDC has made clear that the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. E-cigarettes can also contain other harmful substances besides nicotine. Furthermore, there is some evidence that young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. The FDA must champion strong regulation to prevent non-smokers – especially youth – from using these devices.
We urge the next FDA commissioner to not only take on this issue but to do more to adopt essential regulation on the sale and marketing of these products. Children deserve no less.”
Media Contact
Christina Honeysett, Vital Strategies: choneysett@vitalstrategies.org; +1.914.424.3356
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by a strong public health system. Our programs reach into 73 countries and help prevent death and illness from noncommunicable disease, reduce harm caused by environmental factors, and support cities as engines for public health.
To find out more, please visit vstrategystage.wpengine.com or Twitter @VitalStrat.