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Health groups question lack of action on vape flavor bans

Organizations are worried politics is behind the delay or possible reversal of the promised ban.

ATLANTA — A stall or a flip flop? People are taking note that the ban President Donald Trump and his administration promised on e-cigarette flavors hasn't happened.

The lack of action may be driving more states to look for ways to do something themselves. 

Critics say vaping companies are using the flavors to target teens and lure them into thinking the products are safe.

That promise to ban vape flavors came from the Trump Administration more than two months ago, on September 11. The administration said it was working to take kid-friendly flavors like strawberry and cotton candy off the market, but public health groups are still waiting.

RELATED: Trump to pursue raising age to purchase e-cigarettes

Reports have begun to make rounds claiming any action against vaping would impact voters casting their ballot for President Trump, and now organizations are worried politics are behind the delay or possible reversal of the promised ban.

The public health groups believe banning certain flavors could curb vaping among kids.

A recent study found mint and mango were among the top flavors for teen. Most adults also prefer non-tobacco flavors.

RELATED: US teen vaping numbers climb, fueled by Juul & mint flavor

The American Vaping Association, a pro-vaping advocacy group, argues the dangers widely reported in the news come from illegal, contaminated THC oil cartridges sold by drug dealers. It also points to adult smokers who continue to improve their health by switching away from traditional cigarettes to vape products.

The White House has not said publicly that it is reversing course on the promised ban, though an NPR report said federal proposals had been cleared until everything stopped on November 5.

A spokesperson said "President Trump and this administration are committed to responsibly protecting the health of children. At this time, we are in an ongoing rule-making process, and I will not speculate on the final outcome."

Still groups like the American Heart Association, The Truth Initiative and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have commented on the hold up, saying it could contribute to a public health crisis.

RELATED: US probe of vaping illnesses focuses on THC from marijuana

The Centers for Disease Control now reports 2,172 cases of severe lung illness linked to vaping. That's up from 450 about two months ago around the time the Trump Administration said it would ban certain flavors. At least three vaping-related deaths have been reported here in Georgia.

Data on kids vaping show the number has doubled in the past two years, with more than 25 percent of high school seniors and more than 20 percent of sophomores saying they had vaped in the past month.

This all comes as the American Medical Association calls for a total ban on all e-cigarette and vaping products.

The group initially pushed for a ban on e-cigarette flavors and ads, but now says it will lobby for state, federal and local laws to make that complete ban happen, and may even take legal action.

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