Barickman: Vaping needs more research, education

Posted on September 19, 2019
Jason Barickman
State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) spoke Thursday morning with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (WJBC/Scott Laughlin)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Jason Barickman wants more research done on vaping and e-cigarette products, but he doesn’t think the industry should be completely banned.

Barickman told WJBC’s Scott Miller he has concerns with the vaping industry, in particular, targeting minors to use their products.

 

“I think we can look at vaping and how it relates to minors and these products that are designed to entice and addict minors,” said Barickman.

The Bloomington Republican said there needs to be more education about the products.

“Vaping has evolved as an alternative for cigarettes.  We need to be careful in the legislature to not overreact and create new unintended consequences,” he said.

Barickman said if vaping is outlawed, cigarette smoking could go up.

As of Thursday, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 69 cases of respiratory illnesses related to vaping.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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