BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Public Health Council has unanimously approved a four-month ban on the sale of vaping products in the state.
The call came from Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who also declared a public health emergency Tuesday.
Baker’s order appears to be the first of its kind in the nation.
Democratic Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr of Truro immediately praised Baker’s move.
“With a rapidly growing rate of pulmonary illness and death associated with vaping, and the cause of this disease still a mystery to medical experts, we need to give public health authorities time to find an answer to this outbreak,” said Cyr.
Baker’s announcement comes amid growing concern about the health effects of vaping products, including deaths.
“I stand with Governor Baker on his decision to declare a public health emergency to temporarily ban all vaping products. We cannot allow another generation to die prematurely from nicotine addiction,” said Cyr.
“I am ready to do whatever is necessary and will work with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Baker/Polito Administration to safeguard public health and save lives.”
The administration said that as of Tuesday, 61 cases of potential cases of lung disease related to the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping in Massachusetts have been reported to the state.
His announcement comes amid growing concern about the health effects of vaping products, including deaths.
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