AAP Statement on House Passage of the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act

"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives took an important step forward for children's health by passing the Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act. E-cigarette use among young people is a public health epidemic that needs urgent action, which is why this legislation is so critical.

"Pediatricians see firsthand the dangers e-cigarettes pose to young people. They are highly addictive and come in flavors that are appealing to children, like sour apple and mango lemonade. We have young patients who are addicted to e-cigarettes and do not know how to stop using them; some even sleep with their e-cigarettes under their pillows so that they can wake up throughout the night to vape. We cannot wait any longer for meaningful action to protect children from this alarming epidemic.

"The Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act offers a comprehensive set of policies, including prohibiting flavors in all tobacco products, which will help address this crisis and prevent more young people from becoming addicted to nicotine.

"The Academy thanks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), and Rep. Donna Shalala (D-Fla.) for their leadership on this important legislation. Pediatricians call on the U.S. Senate to immediately follow suit and advance this bill to help ensure young people are protected from these harmful products."

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds