Golden city council hears testimony on proposed ban of flavored tobacco products

GOLDEN — On Tuesday, July 11th the Golden city council heard testimony on a proposed ordinance to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in the city limits.

CoPIRG Public Health Advocate Alex Simon delivered the following testimony:

“Good evening. My name is Alex Simon, and as a public health advocate for CoPIRG, the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, I am here representing more than 175 of our members currently living in Golden. We at CoPIRG support common-sense solutions to benefit the health and wellbeing of all Coloradans, and tonight I am speaking in support of the proposed ordinance to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in Golden. 

Nicotine is a dangerous and addictive drug, which can impair brain development, increase anxiety, and increase risk of future addiction to other substances. Because nicotine can permanently alter the way a developing brain functions, kids who get hooked as teenagers can be impacted the rest of their lives.  

Flavors like cotton candy, gummy bear, frozen banana, and menthol hide the addictiveness of nicotine, paving the way for an entire new generation of tobacco addicts.  With nearly 85% of teens choosing flavors, it’s clear how incredibly effective these products are at targeting our youth. Only 5% of smokers start after the age of 21.   

Additionally, many kids don’t even realize how dangerous these products are that the flavored tobacco products contain nicotine – one study found that 40% of teens didn’t realize they were using e-cigarettes that contained nicotine. To make matters worse, studies have found traces of lead, nickel, tin, and benzene  – chemicals linked to cancer and lung disease – in e-cigarette aerosol.

While the surgeon general has declared teen vaping an “epidemic” nationally, recent data showing that here in Colorado 1 in 4 teens are using e-cigarettes – more than twice the national average – is cause for immediate action. 

The importance of action at the local level is underscored by the inaction at both state and federal levels. State leaders have failed to tackle flavored products at the state level, labeling this an issue of local control. Despite policies aimed at reducing vaping rates and non-FDA approved products, loopholes remain at the federal level including flavored disposable e-cigs, refillable cartridges and synthetic nicotine. With 1,400 new teens becoming addicted in Colorado each year, we can no longer afford to wait for federal or state action.  

As both a concerned parent as well as a public health advocate, I urge you to support this ordinance and create a safer, healthier future for youth in Golden. Thank you. “