New York State has moved to ban the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes and vaping items. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an emergency executive action at a Sunday morning press conference. It's the latest step to take vaping products out of the hands of young people, who are most at risk of getting addicted.

Cuomo had this simple declaration: 'Vaping is dangerous.'

'At a minimum it is addicting youth people to nicotine at a very early age,' Cuomo added.

There are several flavors on the market, including cotton candy and bubble gum, clearly aimed at a younger audience, he said.

New York Governor Cuomo signs executive order banning all flavored vaping and e-cigarettes items

The governor said other reasons for the ban have to do with the unknown health concerns from vaping and smoking e-cigarettes.

'We do not know the long term-term health effects of the use of the product,' Cuomo said.

While the dangers are still a mystery, what is clear [is] there are more than 350 cases of respiratory illnesses from vaping across three dozen and possible connections to at least six deaths.

Plus those devices, the governor said, are often used to vape other substances, including THC.

As far as the vaping industry stating repeatedly that it's a healthier alternative than smoking, Cuomo shot back, 'So what?

'Smoking is terrible. It's virtually a high-risk potential death situation. Vaping is better than that, but that's not saying much,' Cuomo said.

JUUL, a major player in the e-cigarette industry, said they will review Cuomo's executive action, but spokeperson Austin Finan said, 'we strongly agree with the need for aggressive category-wide action on flavored products.'

For now the state's ban does not include menthol products, which could prove a helpful transition for menthol cigarette smokers. The department of health will continue to examine data.

Selling of flavored e-cigarettes is banned in New York as Governor Cuomo signs emergency executive action

Governor Cuomo declares vaping is 'addicting youth people to nicotine at a very early age.' He signs an emergency executive action banning flavored products

New York State has banned flavored versions of e-cigarettes and vaping

JUUL already got rid of its fruit flavors, including mango, last year.

Cuomo is also prepared to propose legislation for next year's session in Albany that will ban advertisements directed toward young people. Additionally, he is instructing the State Police to coordinate with Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker to keep store owners from selling vaping products to minors.

'It is theoretically a criminal offense,' Cuomo said. 'It is also patently obvious when you say "40 percent of the 12 graders report vaping and e-cigarette use" that people under 18 are purchasing these products.'

He added that the state health commissioner would be making a recommendation this week to the state Public Health and Health Planning Council. The council can issue emergency regulations that could go into effect within two weeks.

In the last few years, the e cigarettes and vaping industry has skyrocketed to a $2.6 billion industry, the New York Times reported.