The Denver Post’s editorial board recently wrote an editorial wisely opposing e-cigarette usage bans, but they regrettably bought into false claims that flavors are made to appeal to youth.
AVA’s Gregory Conley responded with the following letter, which was published online and in in their July 30th print edition.
We are glad that The Denver Post appears to have an open mind about electronic cigarettes. However, your editorial does jump to conclusions with its contention that e-cigarette flavors are targeted to children.
We strongly encourage The Post’s editorial board to visit one of the several dedicated vapor shops — retailers that solely sell e-cigarette products — in the Denver area.
Many adult smokers do not want to be reminded of the taste of tobacco when they quit. Indeed, last year a respiratory health journal published a survey looking at the flavor choices of more than 4,500 adult e-cigarette users. The survey found that the most popular flavors were not tobacco and menthol, but fruit and sweet.
The Post is wrong to say e-cigarette companies are marketing to children, but we are pleased to see e-cigarettes recognized as a harm-reduction tool.
Gregory Conley, Medford, N.J.
The writer is president of the American Vaping Association.
