Youth E-Cigarette Use Remains a Persistent Public Health Concern

More than 2.5 million high school and middle school students reported using electronic cigarettes in 2022, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This represents 14.4% of high school students and 3% of middle school students. The data, although affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, indicates a decline in student vaping since its 2019 peak of 5.4 million. The ongoing debate surrounding flavored e-cigarette products is likely to be fueled by these findings, with the FDA's review of such products remaining a contentious issue.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 2.5 million high school and middle school students reported using electronic cigarettes in 2022, equating to 14.4% of high school students and 3% of middle school students.
• The number of students reporting vaping has decreased since the 2019 peak of 5.4 million, although the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the survey's methodology makes direct comparisons to previous years difficult.
• The most popular e-cigarette brands among teens are Puff Bar, R.J. Reynolds' Vuse, Hyde, and Smok, with Puff Bar being preferred by 14.5% of youth e-cigarette users.
• Nearly 85% of youth e-cigarette users reported using flavored products, with 69% using fruity flavors, 38% using candy or dessert flavors, 29% using mint, and 27% using menthol.
• More than 1 in 4 teens who vape reported doing so every day, while 4 in 10 reported using them on 20 or more of the past 30 days.
• Disposable vapes were used by more than half of teen e-cigarette users, with pre-filled or refillable pods and cartridges accounting for another 25%.

Sources:

• CQ News, "More Than 2.5 Million Students Vaped in 2022, CDC Finds"