Lawmakers urge FDA to temporarily clear e-cigarettes from market amid COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to FDA calling on the agency to temporarily clear the market of all e-cigarettes for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter cites emerging research that suggests vaping or using e-cigarettes can come with an increased risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19 and suffering symptoms. “This is true in vapers as young as 13, which is particularly concerning, given that young people are increasingly driving the spread of COVID-19,” wrote Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform’s Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy, who sent the letter on behalf of the subcommittee. The letter asks for FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD, to confirm by August 18 whether or not the agency will temporarily clear the market of all e-cigarettes. Being diagnosed with COVID-19 was five times more likely among young people who have used e-cigarettes ever, according to a new study that is referenced in Krishnamoorthi’s letter. The study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health on Tuesday, also found that young people who have a history of using both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes were seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 compared with those who have never used either product.