YouTube has recently penalized vaping channels without explanation, apparently focused on the popular product JUUL. The problems with vaping and YouTube go further though, with e-cigarette-related channels demonetized and suppressed on the video hosting site.
Tobacco stocks fell in April after a Citigroup analyst downgraded Marlboro-maker Altria, and Philip Morris International released a weak earnings report. CNBC analyst Jim Cramer summed it up in a Mad Money episode, saying the cigarette manufacturers were “bent, spindled and mutilated” by the threat posed by vaping rivals like JUUL.
A Florida man is dead after a house fire that authorities say was caused by an e-cigarette. The 38-year-old St. Petersburg resident was found dead in his bedroom by firefighters. A cause of death has not been issued yet.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission have jointly issued warnings to 13 vaping manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for marketing e-liquid with labels that resemble well-known food and candy products. The agencies say the e-liquids are a safety hazard because they could be mistaken by children for food or candy.
A federal court in Switzerland has overturned the country’s long-standing ban on nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and vapor products. Although the government was already planning to end the prohibition, the court decision allows retailers to now begin selling vaping products with nicotine immediately.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced actions that he says will prevent youth uptake of e-cigarettes, and hinted that more enforcement is on the way. Meanwhile the primary focus of the FDA effort, the popular vapor product JUUL, responded by largely agreeing with the FDA.
Duke University will join more than 2,000 other American colleges by making its campus smoke-free in 2020. However, the renowned private research university will not prohibit non-combustible forms of tobacco, including e-cigarettes.
Two researchers are conducting a major survey of the e-liquid flavor preferences of American vapers. Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos says the survey will provide evidence to the FDA about patterns of e-cigarettes use, and the role flavors play in helping vapers stay free of combustible cigarettes.
During a show about teenage vaping that specifically focused on the popular JUUL e-cigarette, On Point host Jane Clayson misidentified the host of YouTube vaping show Abby Vapes as a teenager. On Point is a nationally syndicated NPR program, produced by Boston public radio station WBUR.
Six tobacco control and medical groups have asked the FDA to “take immediate action” to protect young people from the rise in use of JUUL e-cigarettes. The groups, led by the Truth Initiative and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, have led a crusade for months to link JUUL to a supposed epidemic of teen vaping.
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