There are alarming reports around the country of young people developing serious, even life-threatening lung illnesses after using e-cigarettes. The Associated Press reports there are now as many as 50 cases in at least 6 states, and one doctor stated, “My sense is this isn’t new. It’s new that we’re recognizing it.” These incidents underscore why the FDA should be reviewing e-cigarettes and determining their health impact before they are allowed on the market. They also show why we should be doing everything we can to prevent youth use of e-cigarettes, starting with a ban on all flavored products.

The FDA today proposed graphic health warnings for all cigarette packs and ads in the United States. The new warnings are a big improvement over the current text-only warnings, are strongly supported by scientific evidence, and will help the U.S. catch up with the 120-plus countries that already require graphic warnings. The FDA should meet a March 2020 deadline to finalize the warnings and defend them vigorously against any tobacco industry challenges.

The New York Times reports that Juul copycats are selling nicotine pods in kid-friendly flavors like Strawberry Milk, Peach Madness and Froopy (tastes like Froot Loops). Some deliver even more addictive nicotine than Juul’s already high levels. This report underscores the inadequacy of the FDA’s efforts to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic and the need for much stronger action, especially a ban on all flavored e-cigarettes. Otherwise manufacturers will keep finding new ways to target kids.