Health officials approved emergency ban on sales of flavored e-cigarettes in New York, citing safety concerns.

It could go into effect as early as Oct. 4.

The issue brought both critics and supporters of the ban to a public hearing Tuesday. Those against the proposed ban say it will kill their business and argue it could end up killing even more people.

Vape shop owner Matt Flex says the ban will create more cigarette smokers.

"Millions of lives are at risk due to this knee-jerk reaction on behalf of the governor's office," he says. “…Banning and prohibition do not work."

Flex says he would lose 75% of his business if the ban goes into effect.

Gov. Cuomo and others argue that vaping products are targeting teenagers and not smokers who are trying to kick the habit.

Michigan passed a similar ban earlier this month.