FDA authorization of Juul menthol e-cigarettes raises concerns about youth tobacco use

Nancy Brown, chief executive of the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, released the following statement in response to news reports of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authorization of the sale of Juul menthol e-cigarettes:

"The American Heart Association has long advocated for the removal of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol products, from the market to achieve the goal of ending tobacco use and nicotine addiction in this country. We continue to have deep concerns about the impact of menthol products on nicotine addiction and tobacco use among youth and other communities long targeted by the tobacco industry.

"The FDA has reportedly authorized the sale of Juul menthol tobacco products under the standard that such products are appropriate for the protection of public health. It is critically important for the FDA to closely monitor youth and adult use of Juul menthol tobacco products and other authorized products following today's decision.

"The agency must take decisive action if the evidence shows that electronic nicotine products are causing youth to begin or continue using combustible tobacco products, or increasing nicotine addiction among youth or adults."

Provided by American Heart Association