As a pediatrician practicing in Lewiston, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposal to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in Maine.

Christine Peters’ opinion piece (“Maine’s proposed flavored tobacco ban takes aim at the wrong targets,” June 15) completely ignored and discounted the idea of safeguarding the well-being of our communities, especially our youth.

Peters argues that the ban “takes aim at the wrong targets,” suggesting that flavored tobacco products are not the main contributor to youth smoking. However, research and public health data overwhelmingly demonstrate the significant role these products play in enticing young individuals to start and continue using tobacco.

Flavors such as fruit, candy and mint are engineered to mask the harsh taste of tobacco, making it more appealing to inexperienced smokers. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 90% of adult smokers started before the age of 18, and flavors are a major factor in early initiation. By ending the sale of flavored tobacco, we can prevent a new generation from falling victim to nicotine addiction.

Moreover, the detrimental health effects of tobacco use cannot be ignored. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths annually in the United States. We have an opportunity to curb the use of these products by youth and limit a lifetime of addiction and health consequences.

It is our responsibility to protect the next generation and ensure their access to a healthy future, instead of protecting profits at the expense of our youth.

Our legislators should end the sale of flavored tobacco products.

Joe Anderson, Portland