“As pediatricians, we do everything in our power to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and free from addiction to tobacco and nicotine. Addressing the threat of tobacco, no matter the form it takes, is imperative to meet that goal, which is why the AAP advocated every step of the way for a rule that is strong, effective and most protective of children.

“The rule is a welcomed starting point, but it is only a framework upon which to build meaningful regulation to end the tobacco epidemic in the United States once and for all. Today’s action marks an historic step forward in helping to alleviate the threat of lifelong nicotine addiction for our youth, and should serve as a foundation for further progress when it comes to keeping children safe from dangerous tobacco products.

“More work must be done now as e-cigarettes become more and more common in households and communities across the country. FDA passed up critical opportunities in this rule by failing to prohibit the sale of tobacco products coming in flavors like cotton candy, gummy bear and grape or to prevent marketing tactics that target children. The Academy also looks forward to a law—the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act—taking effect this summer that will require child-resistant packaging on liquid nicotine containers. The AAP will continue to urge FDA to strengthen its efforts to protect children from tobacco.”

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 64,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds.