OVIEDO, Fla. — Florida's attorney general announced Wednesday that she will investigate more than 20 vaping companies that sell the products in the state, saying there's a growing epidemic of teens using the e-cigarettes.
In a news conference at Oviedo High School, Moody said the investigation will center on whether the companies are targeting minors and if they're running afoul of the state's consumer protection laws.
"Our investigation will focus on the marketing practices and online sales strategies of these companies to determine if they have intentionally targeted minors, tempting them to vape," she said. "We will also seek information to determine if these companies can support their marketing and health claims."
She added that there have been 52 cases of vaping-related pulmonary illnesses in Florida.
Moody said parents should talk with their children about the dangers of vaping.
She said she launched a summer-long "fact gathering mission" on the topic, speaking with parents, teachers, school resource officers, and state and local leaders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a dozen people have died, including one person in Florida, due to vaping-related illness.
According to the CDC, nearly 40% of vaping-related illnesses have affected people younger than 21.
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