FDA Authorizes Highly Addictive Juul, Responsible for Youth Vaping Epidemic

Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it authorized the marketing application for Juul menthol and tobacco flavored e-cigarettes. The American Lung Association’s President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement in response to the FDA’s announcement:

“The American Lung Association is deeply troubled that FDA will permit Juul to remain on the market in the U.S. and is especially concerned to learn that Juul’s menthol flavor will continue being sold. These products have never met the Tobacco Control Act’s public health standard, and today’s decision risks further harm to youth. 

“Juul hooked a generation of kids on tobacco through flavored products, youth-targeted marketing and high-levels of nicotine, and remains popular today. Juul has already agreed to pay more than $1 billion in settlements for its role in addicting a generation of kids. Ending the sale of Juul and all flavored e-cigarette products, including menthol, is the clear path to ending youth vaping for good.

“The Lung Association stands firmly with the science: no flavored tobacco products are appropriate for the protection of public health, and all should be removed. We urge FDA to reconsider its decision, and for state and local governments to act to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including all menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes.”

The Lung Association has resources to prevent tobacco use and help youth quit, specifically designed for schools, parents and teens, including Talk About Vaping and our Vape-Free Schools Initiative as well as more resources available online.