Sep 10, 2019 - Health

Michael Bloomberg launches $160M initiative to ban flavored e-cigarettes

Rashaan Ayesh

Former New York City mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg — Michael Bloomberg. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

Billionaire and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg's philanthropic arm announced plans on Tuesday to spend $160 million over 3 years in an attempt to ban flavored e-cigarettes in the U.S., saying tobacco companies "are preying on America's youth."

Why it matters: Though Bloomberg Philanthropies has backed efforts to curb tobacco use around the world before, this is reportedly the organization's first time financing an anti-tobacco initiative in the U.S., per the Washington Post. The pledge follows state and federal investigations into multiple deaths from an unknown lung illness linked to vaping.

The big picture: States including New York and Michigan have announced plans to ban the products.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post says the Federal Trade Commission is investigating Juul's marketing practices and how their messages specifically target kids and young adults. The FDA also sent the company a warning letter this week for misleading marketing on its vaping technology, especially in its youth outreach.

What's next: Bloomberg Philanthropies will work in coordination with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The funds will be used to push local, state and federal governments to implement bans on flavored e-cigarettes, impose stricter standards and encourage the FDA to strengthen its approval process for vaping products.

Go deeper: Juul's growing kids crisis

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Michael Bloomberg launches $160M initiative to ban flavored e-cigarettes

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