A pro-vaping advocacy group plans to hold a press conference Wednesday in Fultondale to discuss “myths and facts of vaping, vaping flavors, underage vaping and illnesses.”
The Breathe Easier Alliance of Alabama’s (BEAA) press conference comes as new state and federal laws continue to be passed to control what some lawmakers say is a dangerous product that’s harming the public. BEAA is comprised of vaping business owners and members of who support vaping, according to its website.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in June signed into law legislation that bans the sale of vaping products to anyone under the age of 19. The law also regulates how vaping products are advertised, and prohibits vaping shops from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, churches or daycares.
President Donald Trump earlier this month announced a plan to ban most flavored e-cigarettes, which are often favorited by younger people.
An unidentified lung illness that has killed at least seven people and sickened many more has been linked by some to vaping.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 19 announced that there have been 530 cases of lung injury and seven deaths in six states. None of those deaths or lung injuries were reported to have happened in Alabama.
“Based on initial data from certain states we know: Most patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC. Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine. Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine,” The CDC noted in the statement.
Those changes in laws are impacting the small businesses that sell vaping products, advocates say, and it’s a business grew faster than any other retail segment from 2009 through 2019, according to The Washington Post, which used U.S. Department of Labor data.
“The BEAA believes vaping is a financial and public health boon for our state,” The group states on its website. “The vaping industry is responsible for creating over 200 new small businesses (since 2012) that employ over 2000 people in Alabama, all while facilitating a reduced-harm alternative for millions of adult tobacco users across the state.”
According to a press release by BEAA Wednesday’s press conference will include several speakers who will discuss discuss “the myths and facts of vaping, vaping flavors, underage vaping and illnesses. A Q&A period will follow.”
The press conference will be held at 1 p.m. on September 25 in the ball room of the Home 2 Suites Hotel, located at 3289 Lowery Parkway in Fultondale.
