Managing Public Health Risks of Vaping: NJ Spotlight Roundtable

What are the public-health implications for New Jersey of the explosion in the use of e-cigarettes? Experts discuss the pressing issue

Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr. (D-Burlington), a roundtable participant

New Jersey officials are grappling with growing reports of severe lung disease among relatively young patients with a history of e-cigarette use as the nation contends with a vaping explosion and new questions about the health impacts of these devices.

There is a consensus that more study is needed to identify exactly what is causing the damage — and what products are most to blame — while the e-cigarette industry insists its products are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. But public health leaders have raised concerns about the flavors, colors and marketing strategies vape companies use which they say are designed to target kids.

Hospital organizations and insurers have increased efforts to curb vaping. Public officials are taking steps to reduce the long-term impact of e-cigarettes on a new generation. Gov. Phil Murphy has outlined regulatory and legislative steps he believes New Jersey should take, including banning flavored products, and state Sen. Joseph Vitale has introduced a bill to do so.

Experts discussed how to understand vaping usage and best manage risks to public health at an NJ Spotlight roundtable in Newark on Dec. 6, 2019.

Keynote:

Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President and CEO of University Hospital

Panel I: Understanding Vaping Health Risks

Eric Costanzo, D.O., Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health

Sam DeAlmeida, MS, MA, New Jersey Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.

Abigail Thompson, Youth Prevention Manager, RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery

Panel II: Exploring Policy Initiatives

Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr., Chair, Health and Senior Services Committee, New Jersey State General Assembly

Gregory Conley, President, American Vaping Association

Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Chair, Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, New Jersey State Senate

Moderator: