Statement by Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast
(NEW YORK, NY) “We’re grateful that New Yorkers will not be exposed to potentially unsafe secondhand emissions from electronic cigarettes when visiting bars, restaurants and workplaces. This is a commonsense step forward to protect the health of New Yorkers and we applaud the City Council for putting public health first.
The American Lung Association remains very concerned that we don’t know what’s in e-cigarettes or what the health consequences of them might be. We are troubled that they may be starting kids on a path that will lead to a lifetime nicotine addiction.
The Lung Association continues to urge the FDA to assert its authority and oversee these products. We are also calling on the Obama Administration to take action. Unless and until we know the health consequences of e-cigarettes, we discourage people from using them. We continue to encourage smokers who want to quit smoking to talk with their doctors and to discuss whether one of the seven FDA approved cessation products might be right for them.”
About the American Lung Association of the Northeast
The American Lung Association of the Northeast is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. The American Lung Association in the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT. www.LungNE.org
