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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Statewide physician organization supports Governor's stance on e-cigarettes LANSING— The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is currently investigating six cases of lung infections that are related to the use of e-cigarette/vaping. The Michigan Osteopathic Association opposes nicotine use among all segments of the public, but the rise of use in vaping is a threat to public health, particularly to younger users. The following statement can be attributed to Kris Nicholoff, Director of the Michigan Osteopathic Association. “Manufacturers of vaping/e-cigarette delivery devices target children and young adults with flavors that mask the nicotine flavor and present their own health issues with chemicals that have been approved by the FDA as a food additive but can cause harm when heated and inhaled. The devices themselves are designed to be covert, disguised as flash drives, watches, pens and other common items that make it extremely difficult for parents to recognize as a nicotine product.” “The Michigan Osteopathic Association strongly supports Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recognition of e-cigarettes/vaping devices and contents as a public health emergency. We consider the actions she has taken as a great first step. The vaping industry continues to use their influence to fight for market share, particularly among teens and young adults. We call on our Michigan Legislature to pass comprehensive laws that can help stop the spread of these devices and the diseases they can cause, especially among the most vulnerable segment of our population, our children.” ### About the MOA: |