As a storeowner in Kenai, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new vapor product regulations hit close to home. Unless Congress takes action, I will have to close my store.
The good news is that the proposed FDA Deeming Authority Clarifications Act of 2017 will help keep vapor products on the market. It will allow a more sensible FDA approval process for existing and future products; provide quality standards for vapor product batteries; and ensure sales, advertising and marketing is done responsibly and is strictly intended for adults.
After both my parents died of lung cancer, I knew I had to quit smoking. I tried everything approved by the medical folks: gum, patches, pills, and even hypnosis. Nothing worked. But as soon as vaping emerged as a smoke-free alternative, I switched and became free from cigarettes.
My store has helped almost 400 people to quit smoking/chewing tobacco. If the federal government restricts access to vapor products, hundreds of people in Kenai would be forced to switch back to cigarettes. I strongly urge you to reach out to your members of Congress asking them to support sensible legislative solutions to fix vapor product regulations.
Sincerely,
Steven Mapes
Kenai
