In response to a judge’s action blocking a state ban on flavored vaping products, Michigan pediatricians reaffirmed their support for the ban in light of the harmful effects to children.

“Judge Cynthia Stephens preliminary injunction is harmful to the many children addicted to vape products and should be reversed,” says Jared Burkhart, Executive Director of the Michigan Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics MIAAP. “The governor was correct last month when she took swift action to protect our kids from the harmful effects of vaping.”

MIAAP says youth vaping is a public health emergency and the decision of one judge should not be prioritized over the expertise of our state’s chief medical executive.

“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services cannot afford to wait,” says Burkhart, “Such a clear public health crisis needs immediate attention in order to stop the explosive rise in teen vaping we have seen in just a couple of years. The products are clearly marketed to children and contain harmful chemicals that are leading to severe respiratory disease that threaten children’s health.”

Parents and educators are seeing the alarming effects first hand, along with medical professionals who are treating youth in emergency rooms and clinics.

“It’s unacceptable that in a post-Flint Water Crisis world, a judge would second guess the recommendations of the state’s highest public health professionals,” says Burkhart. “Every day that vaping products remain on the market in Michigan puts more children at risk.”

MIAAP is a nonprofit, professional organization of more than 1,400 Michigan pediatricians, dedicated to the optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.