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Report regarding an update on outreach efforts concerning the potential regulation of Flavored Tobacco and E-Cigarettes. (Christina Fernandez, Assistant to the City Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend City Council receive an update on business outreach efforts and provide further direction and guidance on the potential regulation of flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes in South San Francisco with the objective of limiting youth access to tobacco products.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
According to the California Department of Public Health, 80% of young people who used tobacco started with a flavored tobacco product. A majority of youth report flavoring as a leading reason for using tobacco products. This includes 82% of e-cigarette users, 79% of hookah users, 74% of cigar users, and 69% of smokeless users. Flavors such as watermelon, cherry, chocolate, mint, and gummy bear appeal to kids and teens. Flavorings mask the taste of tobacco making it more palatable for youth to begin tobacco use. Flavored tobacco products also use the same flavoring chemicals as Jolly Rancher, Kool-Aid, and Life Savers. Certain minority groups also disproportionately use flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. In one survey, 82.6% of African American cigarette smokers reported smoking menthol cigarettes in the month prior.
Federal Guidance and Regulations
The U.S. Surgeon General warns that flavored tobacco products help new users establish habits that lead to long-term addiction. Flavors like menthol in tobacco products make it more difficult for users to quit. All nicotine products are addictive and increase the risk of developing serious health problems including cancer, heart disease, and emphysema.
In 2009, the Federal Government passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that banned the manufacture of flavored cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes were exempt from this ban. The ban also does not restrict non-cigarette tob...
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