Statement By Senator Brad Hoylman On The Tragic Vaping-Related Death Of A 30-Year Old Manhattan Resident

Earlier today, it was announced that a second New Yorker had died of vaping-related illness. Senator Brad Hoylman, who sponsors legislation to ban all flavored vaping products (S.428A) and to ban all flavored tobacco products (S.6809) issued the following statement in response:

“Vaping is a public health crisis. Today’s news that a Manhattan resident died of vaping-related illness is the latest reminder that these products are unsafe, irresponsible and potentially fatal. There are already two deaths and more than 180 cases of vaping injury reported in New York -- it’s time to ban flavored e-cigarette and tobacco products once and for all. 

For decades, Big Tobacco has used flavored tobacco products to lure in new nicotine users and sentence them to a lifetime of sickness and addiction. In my parents’ generation, Big Tobacco used menthol flavors; now, they’ve expanded to using e-cigarette flavors like fruit punch, gummy bear and cotton candy. Worst of all, their plans are working: a recent study found 1 in 15 New York City middle schoolers currently use e-cigarette products.

New York needs to take on Big Tobacco. That’s why I’m committed to passing my two bills that will ban all flavored vaping products and ban all flavored tobacco products, along with my Assembly co-sponsors Linda Rosenthal and Rodneyse Bichotte. We have no time to waste.”

Senate Bill S.428A, co-sponsored by Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal, would prohibit the sale and distribution of flavored e-cigarettes. Senate Bill S.6809, co-sponsored by Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte, would prohibit the sale and distribution of flavored tobacco products and accessories.