Trump’s proposed ban on flavored e-cigarettes will bring much needed change to combat the vaping epidemic. Without access to appealing types of pods such as mango and mint, many middle and high schoolers will be prevented from ever getting addicted.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 31% of high school and middle school users chose to vape for the flavors. This, in addition to kid-friendly advertising from companies like Juul, have hooked millions of teens on nicotine, according to Cnet. 

The Trump Administration’s decision acts as a good middle ground between entirely banning vaping products and allowing them to remain on the market as they are now. By restricting the marketing and selling of vapes, teens will have much less incentive to try it and become addicted. 

The Echo Editorial Board doubts this ban will stop current nicotine addicts, both teens and adults, from discontinuing use; however, at the very least it will prevent new people from getting hooked. In addition, as the ban will likely take a few months to go into effect, it will likely have no major impact until 2020.  

The e-cigarette industry and its nefarious actions bring to mind the era of big tobacco in the mid-1900s. Entire generations fell into nicotine’s trap and became life-long addicts to an item whose consequences were unknown at the time. It seems the only difference is modern day America’s wariness to accept a new nicotine product proven to cause a variety of illnesses, and possibly even death. 

The Board asks students to keep in mind this parallel, and remain wary of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products. It is essential that we ensure the health and safety remain of the utmost importance.