FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2019
Contact: Matt Baca (505) 270-7148
Albuquerque, NM–Today, Attorney General Hector Balderas issued the following statement and
risk advisory to all New Mexicans in response to increased reporting about the rise of deaths and
health risks related to e-cigarettes and the practice of vaping, and the federal Food and Drug
Administration’s (“FDA’s”) announcement that it will begin working with the Drug Enforcement
Administration (“DEA”) to investigate criminal activity related to the marketing and sale of ecigarettes.
“I am warning all New Mexicans of the health and safety risks associated with the use of ecigarettes of any kind,” said Attorney General Balderas. “My office will hold any bad
actor civilly and criminally accountable that risks the lives of New Mexican children by falsely
marketing these devices as safe.”
Currently, the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General is investigating e-cigarette companies
for unlawful marketing of e-cigarettes to minors, and the Office will investigate and prosecute any
allegation of death caused by an e-cigarette.
In light of the New Mexico Department of Health, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention’s announced investigations into health risks stemming from the use of e-cigarettes
for both nicotine and THC consumption, Attorney General Balderas warns New Mexicans of their
danger and recommends the following:
• First and foremost, anyone who has reason to believe that they are suffering from any
physical ailment from the use of an e-cigarette should immediately seek medical
assistance;
• New Mexicans should avoid all vaping products until health officials have fully
investigated and determined the cause(s) of the unexplained illnesses occurring
nationwide by those using e-cigarettes;
• Any New Mexican who believes someone they know, particularly a child, has been injured
or died because of the use of an e-cigarette should immediately contact the Office of the
Attorney General at 1-844-255-9210 or by filing a complaint at www.nmag.gov
