The Food and Drug Administration says that a “public health tragedy” is underway as teen e-cigarette use continues, but that they are working on plans of action with the major manufactures, including Juul.
After demanding in September that e-cigarette manufacturers submit detailed plans to curb the illegal teen usage, the FDA says they’ve met with the top five companies and will roll out their proposals in November.
Some of the plans include better systems to stop the illegal sales of e-cigarettes to people under 18, limiting the availability of flavored smoke pods and raising the overall tobacco-buying age to 21.
“We are committed to taking the necessary steps to fully confront the epidemic of e-cigarette use that has gripped the nation’s youth and set in motion an accelerating epidemic. I’ve stated clearly, all options are on the table,” FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in statement on Wednesday.
This comes as growing scientific evidence shows that e-cigarettes leave harmful toxins in the body. A study published in the journal Pediatrics looked at the effects of e-cigarettes on teens’ bodies.