TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Attorney to draft an ordinance temporarily banning the sale of flavored vapor products in the City of Long Beach.
DISCUSSION
Throughout the nation there have been serious and pressing health concerns from the use of tobacco vapor products. Nationwide there have recently been 8 deaths linked to vaping. One death has occurring here in Los Angeles County where we have also seen 16 pulmonary injuries attributed to vaping. As of September 11, 2019 the Center for Disease Control confirmed 380 probable cases of lung disease associated with e-cigarette products or vapinq."
Cities, counties, and states all across the country are seeing dangerous health impacts connected with vaping and the use of e-cigarette devices. Recently the Long Beach Health Department issued a warning to residents urging residents to refrain from the use of these products in light of the growing nationwide problem."
This growing health emergency is especially concerning in light of the fact that we have steadily seen decreases in youth smoking. Despite the progress made in reducing youth and teen smoking, there are reports of increasing use of e-cigarette products in high school students."
In light of these urgent health concerns it would be appropriate for the City of Long Beach to enacts a temporary ban on the sale of flavored vapor products and evaluate the health impacts before lifting the ban during this national health emergency.
FISCAL IMPACT
Due to the urgency and time sensitivity of this item, no Financial Management review was able to be conducted.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT
STACY MUNGO
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT
DEE ANDREWS
VICE MAYOR, SIXTH DISTRICT