2015-05-05-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING Wednesday, May 5, 2015, 7:00 P.M. Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Hall Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Board of Health Members in Attendance: Burt Perlmutter, MD, John J. Flynn, J.D., Sharon MacKenzie R.N., CCM, David S. Geller, M.D Health Division Attendees: Gerard F. Cody, Health Director Linda Rainville, Clerk Audience: Cheryl Sbarra, MHHB, Ken Farbstein, Tobacco Free Mass 1.) Hearing: Tobacco and Youth Access Regulations Mr. Cody read the hearing procedures to the attendees. He introduced the Members of the panel. He explained the rules of the hearing. All Attendees signed in. Mr. Cody sworn-in the speakers. Two people spoke regarding the Proposed Tobacco Regulation changes. Cheryl Sbarra, Senior Staff Attorney, Mass. Assoc. of Health Boards spoke regarding the statistics of towns in Mass that have changed the purchase age of tobacco products. She applauds the Lexington Board of Health for proposing this regulation. This Regulation will change the purchase age for tobacco products including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and blunt wraps. Research shows the brain is not fully developed until the age of 25 (especially the “off” switch”). Ms Sbarra also spoke about the fact the e-cigarette are not regulated by the federal government or the state government. The “E-Juice” used in these e-cigarettes contain formaldehyde, lead, mercury. When you are exposed to “Vapor”, we have no idea how this will affect those who are breathing in the vapor. At this point there are 51 municipalities that have increased the age in which youth can purchase tobacco products. Mr. Cody asked about signage indicating the age to purchase tobacco products is available for free. Ms. Sbarra will obtain signs for the BOH. Mr. Cody read into the Minutes a summary of the letter from Coalition for Responsible Retailing (CCR). Ms. Sbarra spoke about her response to this letter that went to all Town Health Departments. CRR request that tobacco be treated in the same manner as alcohol.. Mr. Flynn asked if there were any State Regulations regarding selling tobacco products to the youth. There is a bill filed but it has not been passed. The Tobacco Industry is at the State House every day. Mr. Flynn asked if there were any lawsuits against the change of age. Ms. Sbarro explained there have not been any lawsuits in the State. Ken Farbstein, Tobacco Free Mass, supports proposed changes. Mr. Farbstein explained he is paid by the American Cancer Society. Mr. Farbstein spoke about the changes in the tobacco market. The tobacco industry is targeting the youth in their products and advertising. Mr. Farbstein showed the Board some samples of “E-Juice” that is used to fill the e-cigarettes. The flavors (Triple Berry, Rainbow Paradise, Summer Watermelon, Bold Blueberry, and Sweet Strawberry) are geared toward young people. Mr. Farbstein also showed the Board a sample of