A new national survey has found that more than 2 million U.S. teens use e-cigarettes, with 25% saying they vape daily. According to a CNN news report, a survey conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed record uses of e-cigarettes. Teens have continued getting a hold of vaping devices, even with many middle and high school students forced to stay home through the pandemic.
What the Survey Found
The survey showed that about 2.06 million youths currently use e-cigarettes in 2021. When many students were in remote learning environments that might have affected their access to e-cigarettes, about 1.72 million high school students and 320,000 middle school students reported that they could still use these products.
The survey also showed that about 85% of the students used flavored vapes, especially fruit, candy, mint, and menthol flavors.
Anti-tobacco advocates have been pressuring the FDA to ban all flavored vape products, particularly because of their popularity with youth users. Regarding brands, high school students preferred Puff Bars, followed by Vuse, SMOK, Juul, and Suorin. FDA officials said these data show that flavored e-cigarettes are still very popular with teens.
The agencies noted that Puff Bar brand vapes use synthetic nicotine, which is probably an attempt to circumvent the FDA’s mandate to regulate tobacco products. Officials also said that the data showing more than 43% of students who use e-cigarettes do so almost daily emphasizes the trap of nicotine addiction and the risk that once addicted, many will be users of these products for life.
Need for Action
This study shows the immediate need for federal action to address the nation’s youth e-cigarette epidemic. As product defect attorneys, we’ve been saying for several years that flavored tobacco products like candy and bubble gum lure young users and set them on this deadly path – as e-cigarette manufacturers and sellers continue to make profits with minimal government oversight. The FDA has delayed action on banning many of these products.
If you have suffered serious or adverse side effects from using e-cigarettes, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses you have suffered. An experienced product liability lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options better.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/30/health/youth-tobacco-survey-vaping/index.html
