To: The Pennsylvania General Assembly, Governor, and Attorney General

Why This Matters:

•      Rising Youth Vaping: Despite the partial flavor bans in some areas, youth vaping rates remain alarmingly high. Studies show that nearly 1 in 5 high school students still use e-cigarettes, often flavored products.
•      Addiction and Health Risks: Vaping, especially with flavored products, exposes users to nicotine addiction, lung disease, and cardiovascular issues. The FDA has acknowledged the harmful effects of vaping, and these risks are compounded for young people who are still developing. Unregulated and flavored vaping products, often imported, contain harmful substances like heavy metals which further health risks. 
•     Gaps in Pennsylvania’s Current Laws: While recent legislation like Act 57 represents a step forward, it falls short due to significant loopholes and inadequate resources. We demand comprehensive reforms to close these gaps and impose stricter controls on the sale of vaping products. While Pennsylvania has a ban on most flavored e-cigarettes, menthol and tobacco flavors remain widely available. Menthol in particular has been shown to increase the likelihood of addiction. Furthermore, online sales loopholes allow minors to access these products.

We, the undersigned, demand that Pennsylvania:

1. Implement a statewide ban on all flavored nicotine vapor products (except tobacco flavor).
2. Increase funding for the Office of Attorney General to conduct regular, unannounced retail inspections.
3. Mandate a 1,000-foot "buffer zone" between schools and any retailer selling nicotine products.

It is time to prioritize public health over the profits of the tobacco and vaping industry. Let's make Pennsylvania a leader in public health.