U.S. Hispanic Business Council Calls for Action Against Illicit Chinese Vapes
The U.S. Hispanic Business Council has intensified its plea to government leaders to address the alarming influx of illicit Chinese vapes targeting American youth. Over the past year, the Council has reached out to various officials, including President Trump and the FDA, highlighting the dangers posed by these products.
Recent statements from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. underscore the urgency of this issue, advocating for the removal of these unsafe vapes that have proliferated due to lax regulatory enforcement. Approximately 90 percent of vapes entering the U.S. originate from China, where they are illegal and pose severe health risks.
The issue is compounded by soaring vape usage rates among minors, up 2,000 percent, primarily from illicit products. With just 34 e-cigarette brands approved by the FDA out of millions of applications, the regulatory system has failed to keep up, allowing cartels to exploit a demand for alternatives.
The Council urges the FDA to establish a robust regulatory framework that supports American businesses while challenging this growing crisis. Enhanced enforcement, transparent regulations, and cooperative federal-state efforts are essential to safeguarding children and empowering the market for safe, legal smoking alternatives.
Javier Palomarez, President and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council, emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect small businesses and public health.
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