NEW YORK _ Amid growing reports of vaping-related illnesses and even deaths, Gov. Cuomo on Sunday announced an emergency ban on all e-cigarette flavors other than tobacco and menthol.
"Vaping is dangerous, period," Cuomo said. "It is addicting young people to nicotine at a very early age."
He blasted popular flavors like bubble gum and cotton candy.
"These are obviously targeted to young people and are highly effective," Cuomo said.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker will hold an emergency meeting with a special council on health issues early this week, after which the state will issue the ban, Cuomo said.
It will go into effect as soon as Oct. 4, according to Beth Garvey, special counsel and senior advisor to the governor.
She said after the ban is made official, the Health Department will spend about two weeks warning sellers before enforcement begins.
The announcement follows statements from President Trump that his administration is looking into a similar ban nationwide.
But Cuomo said the feds are unreliable.
"Who knows where the federal government is?" he said. "I'm not going to wait for the federal government."
