HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-05-BOH-min
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
the sexualization of advertising for tobacco products. There is a real danger of second hand
damage.
Mr. Farbstein stated that the American Medical Association, Massachusetts Association of
Boards of Health, Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics
support raising the age to purchase to 21.
Mr. Cody read an email regarding the smoking policy at Pine Knoll Nursing Center.
Mr. Cody will speak with DJ Wilson, and the Town Counsel for guidance as to how to proceed
to get the Regulation finalized.
The Board will vote on the Tobacco Regulations at the next Board of Health Meeting.
Hearing closed at 7:45 p.m.
Next Board of Health Meeting – Wednesday May 20, 2015 7:00 PM
Documents Used or Referred To:
Sign in Sheet dated May 5, 2015
Hearing Procedure Outline
Smoking and Youth Access to Tobacco Products, dated May 1, 2015
Letter from Coalition for Responsible Retailing (not dated)
Coalition for Responsible Retailing Summary of Model Regulation (not dated)
Email to Mr Cody from Thomas Woods, dated May 4, 2015
Samples of Advertisement (not dated)
Institute of Medicine “Pubic Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age of Legal Access
to Tobacco Products”, dated March 2015
Municipal Tobacco Control Technical Assistance Program (10 pages), dated 4/24/15