Is the Youth Vaping Epidemic About to End?

March 1, 2023
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The rise of teen vaping has become one of the most pressing public health concerns in the United States. While e-cigarettes were initially marketed as a harm reduction tool for adult smokers, they have instead fueled a youth nicotine addiction crisis. Flavored disposable vapes, aggressive marketing, and social media influence have contributed to an alarming increase in underage vaping, leading to regulatory crackdowns and public health warnings.

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1.63 million middle and high school students currently use e-cigarettes. Despite a slight decline in overall numbers, disposable vapes remain a major driver of youth vaping, with 87.6% of teen vapers preferring flavored products. Meanwhile, researchers warn of serious health risks, including nicotine addiction, lung disease, and vaping-related deaths.

This blog explores the dangers of vaping for teens, the latest vaping statistics, how many teens have died from vaping, and the future of FDA regulations aimed at curbing this epidemic.

I am calling on the Biden Administration to close this harmful loophole for the sake of our youth and to put an end to this national epidemic.
Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick on the new House bill pressuring the FDA to crack down on disposable vapes.

Teen Vaping Statistics: How Bad Is It in 2024?

Despite increased public awareness and regulation, teen vaping remains widespread. According to the CDC’s 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, e-cigarettes continue to be the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students.

Key Findings from the CDC:

1.63 million U.S. students (5.9%) report currently using e-cigarettes, including 410,000 middle schoolers and 1.21 million high schoolers.
87.6% of teen vapers use flavored e-cigarettes, with fruit, menthol, and candy flavors being the most popular.
26.3% of high schoolers vape daily, while 38.4% use vapes on at least 20 of the last 30 days.
40.1% of teens hack or modify disposable vapes, increasing risks of nicotine overdose and exposure to harmful chemicals (Yale Medicine, 2024).

The numbers make it clear: despite recent declines, millions of teens continue to vape regularly, putting their health at serious risk.

The Dangers of Vaping: How Bad Is It for Teens?

Teen vaping is not a harmless habit. While some believe vaping is safer than smoking, experts warn that e-cigarettes pose unique risks, especially for young users.

1. Nicotine Addiction and Brain Development

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can rewire the developing teenage brain, leading to:

Impaired memory, attention, and learning abilities
Increased impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
Higher likelihood of addiction to other substances in adulthood (CDC, 2024)

Studies show that teens who vape are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes, contradicting the idea that e-cigarettes prevent tobacco use.

2. Respiratory Illnesses and Lung Disease

In 2019, an outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury) led to thousands of hospitalizations and over 60 deaths. The CDC identified vitamin E acetate, a chemical found in some THC vapes, as the primary cause.

30% higher risk of lung disease for vapers compared to non-users (American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2019).
EVALI symptoms include chronic coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and weight loss (CDC, 2019).

3. Hidden Dangers of Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes, which 55.6% of teen vapers use, contain:

Higher nicotine levels than traditional cigarettes
Synthetic nicotine that absorbs faster, increasing addiction risks
Harmful chemicals linked to lung damage

Many teens also hack their vapes to mix nicotine with cannabis, further increasing health risks and dependency (Yale Medicine, 2024).

Support For the Bill From Various Groups

The bill has garnered support from a variety of groups, including tobacco control advocates, Democrats in Congress, and even tobacco companies. R.J. Reynolds, for example, filed a citizen petition with the FDA asking for greater enforcement against disposable vapes. The reason for this support is that disposable vapes have become the most popular vaping products in the convenience stores. Disposable vapes are often sold in appealing flavors that can be attractive to younger consumers.

Bill Doesn’t Call for a Ban

However, it’s important to note that the bill does not call for a ban on disposable vapes. Instead, it simply aims to apply pressure on the agency to take enforcement actions. Disposable vapes that are now the most popular vaping products in the market are in danger.

The Future of Teen Vaping: Will Regulations End the Epidemic?

In response to the teen vaping crisis, lawmakers have introduced House Bill HR 901, a measure aimed at pressuring the FDA to regulate disposable vapes.

What Does HR 901 Aim to Do?

Close the “disposable loophole” that allows flavored e-cigarettes to remain on the market.
Increase FDA enforcement against unauthorized vape products.
Prevent vape companies from marketing to teens using colorful packaging, sweet flavors, and social media promotions.

What’s Next for the Vaping Industry?

Potential nationwide bans on flavored disposable vapes
Tighter online sales restrictions to prevent underage purchases
Stronger penalties for retailers who sell to minors

While supporters of the bill believe it could significantly reduce youth vaping, critics warn that banning flavored vapes may push teens toward unregulated black-market products.

Disposable Loophole Explained

The “disposable loophole” refers to the FDA’s 2020 enforcement guidance, which exempted some disposable vaping products from priority enforcement. However, the exemption only applied to otherwise compliant products like the NJOY Daily and blu disposables. In addition, the FDA specifically stated that the guidance did not apply to any deemed product not on the market on August 8, 2016. This means that products that entered the market after 2016 would remain enforcement priorities.

Pressure on FDA to Take Action

The popular flavored disposables began entering the market in 2019 and have violated FDA rules from the start. However, the FDA has yet to take significant enforcement action against them. The bill, if passed, would put pressure on the FDA to change this and take action against these products.

Increased Scrutiny on Disposable Vapes

In conclusion, the vaping industry is facing increased scrutiny over the safety of disposable vape products. Especially their impact on young people. HR 901, introduced by Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, aims to update the FDA’s enforcement guidance to prioritize enforcement against disposable ENDS products. While the bill does not call for a ban on disposable vapes, it has garnered support from a range of groups. These groups are concerned about their impact on young people. The hope is that the bill will pressure the FDA to close the “disposable loophole.”

Key Takeaways

Teen vaping remains a major public health issue, with millions of adolescents exposed to nicotine addiction and potential lung disease. While House Bill HR 901 seeks to regulate flavored disposable vapes, the debate over bans, black-market risks, and harm reduction continues.

The key to reducing teen vaping lies in stronger education, better quitting resources, and responsible regulation that prevents another generation from falling into nicotine dependency.

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