White Plains, NY — On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators began consideration of a measure that would ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping products, including mint and menthol, in Westchester County.

While the proposed legislation remains before the Board’s Committees on Environment, Health, and Energy and on Legislation, the Board has scheduled a public hearing on the measure for the evening of October 21.

Nancy Barr (D - Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook), Chair of the Board’s Environment, Health, and Energy Committee, said, "The serious health concerns that have arisen around vaping present an urgent public health crisis. It is especially urgent because of the appeal of these flavored products to younger users. While we anticipate the state will eventually pass a law to protect the public, as County Legislators we need to be working now to prevent the creation of a new generation of nicotine addicts."

Kitley Covill (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers), Chair of the Board's Legislation Committee, said, “Protecting the public health is one of our most solemn responsibilities as lawmakers. This legislation builds on the actions we've already taken to raise the age for the purchase of tobacco products, in order to protect the public health and well-being of the people of Westchester. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this a strong, fair piece of legislation.”

The national Centers for Disease Control is currently investigating the cause of recent deaths and illnesses that appear to be related to vaping.