Youth vaping drops to lowest level in a decade
Vaping Among Young People Hits 10-Year Low, CDC Reports
According to a brand new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaping among young people is on a steady decline, dropping to its lowest level in a decade. The report found that over 1.6 million students reported vaping in the past month, a significant drop from the peak in 2019 when over 5 million young people reported using e-cigarettes.
What’s Behind the Drop?
The CDC attributed the decline primarily to high school students, with 1.2 million reporting vaping this year, compared to 1.5 million last year. Middle school students, however, did not show a significant change. The FDA has been cracking down on vaping, particularly the fruity flavors that have been popular among young people. This effort appears to be working, according to the agency.
The Dangers of Vaping
Dr. John Torres, an NBC News medical contributor, emphasized that vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking. "It’s not necessarily true that vaping is safer," he said. "We’ve found that the chemicals in e-liquids can cause serious health concerns, including nicotine addiction, lung damage, and even cancer."
The CDC has also reported that vaping chemicals can contain heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead, which can cause harm to the lungs and potentially lead to long-term consequences.
Marketing to Kids
The report highlighted that companies are still targeting kids with fruity flavors and nicotine pouches, which are more discreet and harder to detect. These products, marketed as alternatives to smoking, contain high levels of nicotine and can lead to addiction and other health issues.
FDA Crackdown
The FDA is working with the Justice Department to crack down on illegal e-cigarette sellers and distributors. The agency has sent warning letters to over 1,000 retailers and imposed fines. One company, Albar, a popular brand among teens, was specifically targeted.
The decline in vaping among young people is a positive trend, but it’s essential to continue monitoring the situation and addressing the root causes of vaping addiction. The FDA’s efforts to crack down on illegal sales and marketing to kids are a step in the right direction. As Dr. Torres emphasized, it’s crucial to educate young people about the dangers of vaping and to promote healthy alternatives.
