Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Critics See Juul's Lobbying Blitz As Proof That Its Promises To Fight Youth Vaping Are Empty
The Hill: Embattled Juul Seeks Allies In Washington
Juul Labs is spending big on campaign donations and a massive lobbying blitz as the e-cigarette maker faces growing threats from lawmakers and regulators, and with few allies in Washington. The company spent $1.95 million on lobbying in the first two quarters of 2019, surpassing its 2018 total of $1.64 million. And Juul's PAC has given nearly $100,000 to lawmakers this year, a pace that will blow past the $225,000 the company spent in the entire 2018 cycle. (Gangitano, 8/7)
CNN: FDA Investigating 127 Reports Of Seizures And Neurological Symptoms Related To E-Cigarettes
The US Food and Drug Administration has received 127 reports of seizures or other neurological symptoms possibly related to e-cigarettes, the agency announced Wednesday. Investigators have yet to determine, however, whether vaping was directly linked to the cases. (Azad, 8/7)
St. Louis Public Radio: SLU Study Finds Quitting Smoking During Pregnancy Can Reduce Risk For Babies
The link between smoking and low birth weight babies has been well-established. But the study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal is one of the first clear indications that quitting smoking during pregnancy can have health benefits for a developing fetus throughout the third trimester, said Pam Xaverius, an assistant professor of epidemiology at SLU. (Fentem, 8/7)
