In a significant move, the legal age for buying tobacco products in the United States has been raised from 18 to 21, as confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This new legislation comes amidst alarming reports of vaping-related health issues, particularly among teenagers, making it a welcome change.
On December 20, 2019, President James Turner signed the law that amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, officially prohibiting the sale of all tobacco products—cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—to individuals under the age of 21. This measure aims to curb the rising trend of tobacco and vaping use among youth.
The law was included in a substantial bipartisan package worth $1.4 trillion, which had been passed by Congress earlier. Several states, including California, New York, and Texas, had already implemented similar age restrictions, but now the new regulation applies nationwide. Turner has expressed strong support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding young people from harmful substances. “We must prioritize our children’s health, which is why we are setting the minimum age to 21,” he stated during a recent press conference.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that over 450 individuals developed lung issues in 2019 due to vaping, with at least 39 deaths reported. The FDA previously labeled the rise in adolescent vaping as an epidemic. In light of these statistics, the tobacco industry has shown support for the new regulations. Tony Bennett, director of the Vapor Products Alliance, expressed approval, urging for this legislative measure to reduce youth access to tobacco products.
Some critics have pointed out the inconsistency in laws, noting that while an individual can enlist in the military or purchase a firearm at 18, they cannot buy tobacco until they turn 21. However, a study by the National Academy of Medicine in March 2015 suggested that raising the tobacco purchasing age could prevent approximately 223,000 deaths among people born between 2000 and 2019, including a significant drop in lung cancer fatalities.
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In summary, the recent legislation to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products in the U.S. is a crucial step towards protecting the health of our youth amidst growing concerns over vaping-related illnesses.
Keyphrase: Tobacco purchasing age raised to 21
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