Tobacco-free kids advocates worry new FDA rules will make flavored vapes more accessible in schools

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Tobacco-Free Kids wants to end sales of flavored tobacco products that make it easier for new users — particularly youth — to initiate tobacco use.

Credit: Tobaccofreekids.org

Marketing of flavored nicotine products allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration puts young people at risk, said Brian King, executive vice president for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Nicotine is a psychoactive drug that can affect learning, attention and memory.

"What we're seeing is an increased appetite by the FDA to authorize nicotine pouches as well as e-cigarettes, particularly those that come in a variety of flavors that can appeal to youth," King said. "So, as we're seeing this regulatory landscape of more products on the market, it's increasingly important for everyone to be vigilant about the risks of these products to kids."

Despite being at the lowest level of tobacco product use in 25 years, with e-cigarette use at a 10-year low, 2 million kids — about 1 in 10 youth nationwide — are using tobacco products. 

E-cigarettes contain extremely high levels of nicotine and are the most popular tobacco products among youth, followed by nicotine pouches. About 90% of young people who use these products use flavored varieties.

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The Tobacco-Free Kids organization warns that adults should watch out for signs of use, including mood and behavior changes like loss of appetite and poor sleep habits.

"If you do see a youth with those types of characteristics, it's important that you get them to a healthcare provider to help them quit the addiction," King said.