FDA Commissioner Robert Califf recently expressed his surprise and overwhelming feeling at the sheer number of Premarket Tobacco Applications (PMTAs) related to vaping products, revealing that the agency received over twenty-six million applications.
Calls to Action for Vaping Advocates
As part of ongoing efforts to shape legislation, several Calls to Action have been announced:
- South Carolina: Vaping advocates are urged to speak out against a bill that could close hundreds of vape shops, impact jobs, and restrict access to safer alternatives.
- Minnesota: Despite a potential stall this year, supporters of flavored tobacco bans need to continue their advocacy to influence legislative decisions.
- Iowa: A new bill poised to ban most vaping products has passed, and there is a critical call to urge Governor Kim Reynolds to veto this potentially harmful legislation.
Addressing Misinformation and Promoting Tobacco Harm Reduction
- EVALI Misinformation: Recent claims linking nicotine vaping to lung injuries are being challenged by scientific communities, emphasizing that incidents were related to illicit THC products, not nicotine.
- Scientific Review on Vape ‘Toxicity’: A comprehensive review of 65 studies has debunked the claims about the high toxicity of vape aerosols, reinforcing the argument for vaping as a safer alternative.
Litigation and Legal Challenges
In Kentucky, vape shop owners have initiated a lawsuit against a PMTA registry bill, labeling it as unconstitutional and a threat to their businesses and consumer choices.
Advocacy and Continued Efforts
The vaping community is encouraged to remain proactive, informed, and engaged through various platforms and actions. By advocating for scientifically backed approaches and challenging misinformation, vaping can continue to serve as a viable alternative for those seeking to quit smoking.
