Hempstead is proposing a ban on flavored liquid nicotine products for vaping in light of a new alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC is looking into more than 200 possible cases of lung disease in 25 states, including New York, which may be tied to vaping. They are calling it a public health threat.

There have been two severe cases at Winthrop Hospital in Mineola in recent weeks – an 18-year-old who almost died and a 19-year-old with spots on their lungs.

Dr. David Neubert called the proposed Hempstead ban “a huge step in the right direction.”

Vape shop owner Matt Flax says he has kids of his own and would never sell to anyone underage.  He says a ban, however, prevents adults from having choices and won't solve the problem with underage customers. 

“I don't necessarily think that banning these flavors is going to stop kids from getting a product they shouldn't have. That's what enforcement is for,” he told News 12.  

A proposed countywide ban on flavored e-cigarette and liquid nicotine products could also be on the horizon. Legislation was proposed back in May that would make those products illegal in Nassau unless they are flavorless, tobacco, mint or menthol flavored.

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