Governor Parson Worried about Young Vapers

(Jefferson City) Governor Mike Parson says Missouri has a problem with the number of young people smoking electronic cigarettes and the State is trying to get out in front of a problem that he says could explode.

Parson says a multi-agency effort has formed to launch the Clear the Air campaign about the dangers of youth vaping.

He says he’s not ready to commit to a ban on flavored vaping products and says it’s too early to consider any lawsuits against e-cigarette companies.

Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services Director Randall Williams hopes all vaping-related options are on the table during the upcoming legislative session.

So far, Missouri has had 35 vaping-related lung illnesses and two deaths linked to e-cigarette use.