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E-EPIDEMIC: Vaping & Youth

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(PDF, 925KB) E-Epidemic Fact Sheet (PDF, 343KB)

Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County

E-Epidemic: Vaping and Youth

Youth vaping, or e-cigarette use, has increased dramatically across the country and in Florida over the past few years. In September of 2019, the FDA officially declared youth vaping an epidemic and stated that flavors play an important role in driving the youth appeal. 1 In December of that same year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory, in which HHS Secretary Alex Azar stated: “In the data sets we use, we have never seen use of any substance by America’s young people rise as rapidly as e-cigarette use is rising.” 2

Along with the increased concern, there is also confusion and misinformation around the topic. The Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida is a trusted resource for credible and accurate information about the youth vaping epidemic. Here’s what we know:

(Updated: January 17, 2024)

Learn The Facts

E-cigarette companies claim that their products are intended for adults. Skyrocketing prevalence rates among teens tell a different story.

Some of the most popular e-cigarette brands - like Juul, Puff Bar, and HQD - are easy to conceal and deliver high levels of nicotine. Here's what you need to know about these products:

  • Deliver high levels of nicotine
  • Come in a variety of flavors that appeal to teens
  • Easy to conceal and are even being used in schools

In December 2018, Marlboro cigarette maker Altria purchased a stake in JUUL for $12.8 billion. Other Big Tobacco companies, including R.J. Reynolds, have launched similar rechargeable e-cigarette devices.

In 2006, these tobacco companies were found guilty of violating civil racketeering laws (RICO) for conspiring over decades to deceive Americans about the health effects of smoking, the addictiveness of nicotine, and their marketing to youth.

Know The Risks

E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor,” as many youth mistakenly believe.

E-cigarettes can contain harmful substances:

  • Cancer- causing chemicals
  • Nicotine
  • Ultrafine Particles
  • Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

Nicotine is highly addictive, and youth may feel dependent on nicotine sooner compared to adults.

Nicotine can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. The effects include reduced impulse control, deficits in attention and cognition, and mood disorders.

Ingredients in e-cigarette “vapor” could be harmful to the lungs in the long-term.

Get Involved

  • Educate yourself about this epidemic.
  • Dispel myths among your friends and family.
  • Talk to your kids or students about the serious concerns around vaping and nicotine.

Tobacco Free Florida is your trusted resource for credible and accurate information about the youth vaping epidemic. Learn more at TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/Eepidemic.

REFERENCES:

1 FDA Statement. “Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on new steps to address epidemic of youth e-cigarette use.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 12 Sept. 2018 www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm620185.htm (Accessed 24 July 2019)

2 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. “Surgeon General releases advisory on E-cigarette epidemic among youth.” 18 Dec. 2018. www.hhs.gov/about/news/2018/12/18/surgeon-general-releases-advisory-e-cigarette-epidemic-among-youth.html (Accessed 24 July 2019)