ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot on Wednesday announced the creation of a new task force to examine the health and safety effects of electronic smoking devices, also known as vaping.
The new task force will be called "E-Facts", and be made up of local government officials and experts at public health institutions.
Franchot also wants two members from each the State House of Delegates and Senate to join the task force.
Plans right now are for the task force to begin later this fall and continue on into early 2020.
According to Franchot, the goal of the task force will be to better understand the public health and safety risks vaping products present.
The task force will also look into the specific difference between the wide range of vaping products available in the marketplace, and the commercial effects of sales in Maryland.
Once the task force completes their study, Franchot says they will be in a position to recommend new stronger laws to ensure that consumers, especially young people are protected from the health hazards associated with electronic smoking devices.
“As Maryland’s chief tobacco regulator, my job is to safeguard public health, protect consumers and keep dangerous products out of the hands of children,” Comptroller Franchot said.
RELATED: Md. Health Secretary orders healthcare providers to reports any vape related lung injuries
So far, there have been 35 reported cases of vaping-associated lung injuries in Maryland.
Earlier this month, Maryland's Secretary of Health issued an order to state healthcare providers requiring them to report any cases of vape related lung injuries they're treating, within one day.
Nationwide there have been 38 confirmed deaths related to vaping.
