To the Editor:

Recently the American Lung Association gave the state of Maine an F grade because we have failed in ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. Just like in school, we have the chance to turn that grade around.

The release of the latest State of Tobacco Annual Report should be a wake-up call to Maine citizens. Knowing the real dangers tobacco poses to our health and overall quality of life, it should be obvious that we need to end the sale of flavored tobacco products.

This solution is so simple, yet incredibly effective. The statistics show that four out of every five teen smokers first began with some form of flavored tobacco. If we end the sale of flavored tobacco, we are virtually stopping the addiction before it begins, giving Maine teens the best possible opportunity to live a life free from nicotine addiction.

Vaping is a culprit in fueling flavored tobacco addiction in teenagers. Vape “juice” comes in flavors that could easily be mistaken for a candy store; Cotton Clouds, Blue Razz, Watermelon Rings, and Tropical Rainbow Blast. These flavors not only entice teens but also can contain high levels of nicotine and metal particles that lead to permanent scarring in the small branches of your airways.

Flavored tobacco products will continue to find a way into the hands of our children as long as they are on store shelves. Tell your legislators that you support the ending of flavored tobacco product sales throughout the entire state.

Amanda Miller

Hebron