Vaping: a public health crisis?

Guests: Thomas Farley, Michael Siegel, Sean McCormick

Is vaping a public health crisis? Some state and city governments have begun to implement more stringent regulations when it comes to the sale of vape devices and flavors. Much of this is in response to recent reports of deaths and illnesses from vaping, as well as the high rate of usage among teenagers. But where some see these as necessary steps to preserve public health, others see an overreaction to a harm-reduction tactic that helps some people quit smoking. Today on the show, we’ll talk about the health effects of vaping, the regulations that are being implemented, and how public health officials view the current discussion around vapes. Our guests are Physician and professor of community health and sciences at Boston University, MICHAEL SIEGEL, and program manager for Tobacco Control and Prevention Services at the Health Promotion Council of Philadelphia, SEAN McCORMICK. But first, we’ll talk with Philadelphia’s Health Commissioner, THOMAS FARLEY, about what he wants to do to keep vaping products out of the hands of minors.