Mayor Emanuel Issues Bold Call to Action to FDA

American Lung Association Welcomes Chicago Mayor's Call for Aggressive Implementation of Tobacco Control Act

Washington, D.C. (September 26, 2013)—

The American Lung Association applauds Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today. Mayor Emanuel and Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, Dr. Bechara Choucair, submitted comments that urge FDA to move swiftly to prohibit menthol cigarettes; crack down on cigarette smuggling; and begin regulation of other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, cigars, little cigars and hookah.

“We thank Mayor Emanuel for his continued public health leadership,” said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “The Mayor’s recommendations would save thousands of lives and now is the time for FDA to take action and make it happen.”

On September 19, the American Lung Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and 14 other public health and medical organizations sent a letter to President Obama, asking for his leadership in ensuring that FDA moves forward promptly with a rule that would assert the agency’s authority over all tobacco products.

“The Obama Administration and FDA must move swiftly and aggressively to regulate all tobacco products if we are to see meaningful progress in reducing the number of youth who start using tobacco products and ultimately save lives,” added Wimmer.

In July, the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago praised Mayor Emanuel following the announcement that Chicago was launching an initiative to determine how to protect its youth from the dangers of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products. The Lung Association has also urged FDA to remove menthol cigarettes from the marketplace and in April, submitted a citizen petition with other public health and medical organizations urging FDA to take action.

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.