Health

The FDA Calls Teen Vaping An 'Epidemic,' Cracks Down On E-Cig Makers

The agency is even considering pulling some flavored e-cigarettes off the market.

The FDA Calls Teen Vaping An 'Epidemic,' Cracks Down On E-Cig Makers
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The FDA is taking what it calls "historic action" on e-cigarette makers, saying teen vaping has reached "epidemic" levels. 

It's given five manufacturers 60 days to come up with plans to curb teen usage, or face potential legal action.

That's in addition to sending more than 1,100 warning letters to stores for illegally selling the products to minors, and fining 131 stores for repeated violations.

The FDA is considering tightening restrictions on flavored e-cigarette sales, possibly pulling some of those products off of the market altogether. 

Health experts believe the flavors appeal to young people, and could be a factor in the youth vaping trend, which the FDA Commissioner called "dangerous" and "disturbing." 

This isn't the first action the FDA has taken on the issue. Earlier this year, it sent a round of warning letters to stores selling to underage customers.

These latest moves are part of broader regulatory plans to address nicotine addiction. The FDA plans to unveil a new initiative to cut down on youth e-cigarette use next week.

Recent data shows more than 2 million middle and high school students reported vaping in 2017

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN