Health

The FDA Might Ban Online E-Cigarette Sales

Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency is also considering restricting flavored e-cigarette sales in an attempt to curb the teen vaping trend.

The FDA Might Ban Online E-Cigarette Sales
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The teen vaping trend might prompt the FDA to ban online e-cigarette sales. 

Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced the possible ban on Tuesday, and said the FDA is also looking at restricting flavored e-cigarette products, which health experts say appeal to young people. 

Gottlieb has supported the use of e-cigarettes as an alternative for adult smokers, but said it can't come at the expense of driving up the youth vaping trend. 

Earlier this month, the FDA took what it called "historic action" on some e-cigarette makers, giving them 60 days to come up with a plan to curb teen usage. 

The agency is expected to release new statistics on teen vaping and announce its next steps on the issue in November. 

Recent data shows more than two million middle and high school students reported vaping in 2017.