According to the report in the Florida Times on September 23, Rich Marianos, former deputy director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), discussed the rapid increase of e-cigarette devices in American communities, especially those from China. He believes that these devices have illegally entered the United States and infiltrated high school and college campuses.
He stated that in Florida, Chinese companies like RELX, Fume, and HQD accounted for 85% (a total of $355 million) of the state's total e-cigarette market value of $410 million in 2023. Additionally, e-cigarette sales in Florida were nine times higher than in New York. However, these brands have not received approval from the FDA.
Later, Marinos pointed out the inaction of the federal government in addressing this issue, specifically mentioning Dr. Brian King, director of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. He also criticized Dr. King for his lack of understanding of the special task force addressing the issue of e-cigarettes. Marinos stated, "Americans should be better protected. At the national level, they have not taken any action against these e-cigarette shops.
According to reports, in June of this year, the Department of Justice and FDA announced the establishment of a federal multi-agency task force to curb the distribution and sale of illegal e-cigarettes. Dr. Brian King stated, "Enforcement against illegal e-cigarettes is a multifaceted issue that requires multifaceted solutions." He also noted that this "whole of government" approach, including the creation of new interagency task forces, will bring together the collective resources and expertise of the federal government to address this urgent public health issue.
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