Take Vapes Off Your School Supply List: Experts Warn of Nicotine Risks for Those Under 25

As students head back to school at the end of the month, advocates are warning about a new wave of e-cigarettes targeting kids, with some even disguised as everyday objects or with built in video games. Despite crackdowns, more than 1.6 million youth still use e-cigarettes, which can have serious, lasting effects.

A press release from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids says, “Today’s e-cigarettes are more potent than ever and deliver massive doses of nicotine – some contain as much nicotine as 20 packs of cigarettes or more. The U.S. Surgeon General has found that youth use of nicotine in any form is unsafe, causes addiction, and can harm developing brains, negatively affecting attention, memory and learning. E-cigarettes also expose kids to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, lead and benzene.”

One major concern of health officials is the targeting of nicotine products at youth. Flavoring vapes is the most common way this is allegedly done by manufacturers. The only e-cigarettes authorized by the FDA are menthol and tobacco flavored, says Brian King, the Executive Vice President for U.S. Programs at the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. He added that all nicotine products are unsafe for those under 25 but that almost 90% of users prefer the fun flavors, which are especially dangerous because they are being sold illegally. Another tactic by the industry, the release says, is a teen-centered design. New vapes are “often designed to look like toys, highlighters and smartphones, making them easy for kids to hide.” Some also have gimmicks to make them more entertaining, such as built in games. “About 25% of youth e-cigarette users are using them daily. And over a third are using them in 20 or more days in the past month,” King said.

King told Radio Catskill that after peak use in 2019, they have seen numbers of underage vape users falling. But this is complicated by the introduction of new products, like nicotine pouches, that are growing in popularity. He emphasized that it’s extremely easy to get hooked on nicotine from one thing at a young age and then become a full blown addict soon after. He spoke with WJFF about how parents can approach education and what trends to be aware of as the new school year begins.

Photo Credits: “How Vaping Affects Mental Health” Newport Institute. Creator: Hiraman, Copyright: PeopleImages.com – #2086910, https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/vaping-and-mental-health/