The US administration says it plans to ban the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes. This follows reports that some cases of respiratory illness may be linked to vaping.

E-cigarettes vaporize liquid containing nicotine and aromatic substances for inhaling. Vaping is especially popular among young people in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 450 cases of respiratory illness have been linked to the use of e-cigarettes, and five deaths have been reported.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday stressed the need to take immediate action. He said, "We can't allow people to get sick and we can't have our youth be so affected."

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar expressed concern about young people becoming addicted to e-cigarettes flavored with mint and other substances. He said the administration would begin actions to remove such products from the marketplace.

A study by a US research group has found that about 63 percent of vapers typically used flavors other than tobacco. US media reports say the proposed ban would be a major crackdown on e-cigarettes.

NHK