BOSTON – Gov. Charlie Baker has declared e-cigarettes a “public health emergency” and has enacted a ban on the sale of e-cigarette products in Massachusetts.
The following can be attributed to Marc Hymovitz, Massachusetts director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“ACS CAN is encouraged by Governor Baker’s action recognizing the dangers posed to our youth by e-cigarettes. However, Big Tobacco’s dangerous agenda calls for comprehensive, permanent policy change.
“The data is staggering: more than 80% of teens who have ever used a tobacco product started with a flavored product such as mint or menthol. Big Tobacco has spent decades manipulating tobacco products to create flavors they know will hook another generation of kids, and the time is now to end this trend.
“We look forward to working with Senator Keenan, Representative Gregoire, and other lawmakers and passing legislation to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, and ensuring these protections are made permanent.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.