After approving IQOS, FDA must fully use its powers to protect youth

The introduction of another nicotine delivery device to the U.S. market while we are in the midst of a youth e-cigarette epidemic is concerning, especially when this launch will include not one but two menthol flavors and a new opportunity to build the Marlboro brand. As the Food and Drug Administration stated, "while today’s action permits the tobacco products to be sold in the United States, it does not mean these products are safe or 'FDA approved' — there are no safe tobacco products." The agency must live up to its promise to monitor the use of IQOS and ensure it gets into the hands of smokers looking to quit cigarettes completely and not fuel youth tobacco use.

The FDA needs to act quickly if there is significant youth uptake to ensure that the JUUL history of addicting a new generation to nicotine is not repeated.

Learn more about the concerns over selling IQOS in the U.S.