E-Cigarettes and Youths

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/12/opinion/letters/e-cigarettes-youth-new-york-city.html

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To the Editor:

Re “E-Cigarettes Offer Higher Success Rate in Quitting Smoking, Study Says” (news article, Jan. 31):

While this study contributes to literature on the potential value of e-cigarettes as smoking-cessation devices, it does not address the public health threat of flavored e-cigarettes marketed toward youths.

In New York City, 17 percent of public high school students reported using e-cigarettes versus only 2 percent of adults. E-cigarettes, more often than not, contain nicotine, which is extremely addictive, and adolescents may be more susceptible to developing nicotine dependence than adults.

Nicotine can change the chemistry of the teenage brain; it may affect learning, by worsening memory and concentration. More research is needed, particularly on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes.

We also need policies that address the immediate and established threat to youths, and the New York City Council’s proposed restriction on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes is a critical first step.

Herminia PalacioOxiris BarbotNew YorkDr. Palacio is New York City’s deputy mayor for health and human services, and Dr. Barbot is the city’s health commissioner.