Policy Recommendations to Address Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in New York State

By

New York State Public Health Association

Funding Area

Special Projects Fund

Date

June 5, 2017

Special Projects Fund

This NYHealth-supported white paper, prepared by the New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA), outlines policy recommendations to address the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), otherwise known as e-cigarettes, vapes, and other similar products.

ENDS are products that produce an aerosolized mixture containing flavored liquids and nicotine that is inhaled by the user. Like conventional cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products that contain nicotine, the use of ENDS products poses serious public health risks and concerns that need to be addressed. Presently, few New York State or federal regulations are applied to ENDS products to protect consumers, especially among youth. NYHealth awarded a grant to the American Cancer Society to convene a group of expert stakeholders, including NYSPHA, to discuss and develop recommendations focused on the use and sale of ENDS products in New York State.

This white paper examines three main areas of inquiry related to ENDS: youth access, tobacco cessation, and health effects. It also offers priority recommendations that were generated from the convening to help reduce the negative consequences of ENDS, such as investing in public health education about ENDS products and maximizing support for and access to FDA-approved cessation strategies for consumers and health care practitioners.