Maine Voices: FDA, New Study on Youth Vaping Hazards

GARDINER – Two amazing developments show why it's no longer safe to say "At least they do not smoke" when talking about vaping on the part of Maine youth.

A study released Tuesday indicates that teens who use vaping products are more likely to smoke cigarettes and are also likely to increase their use of both products over time. Michael Dunbar, a behavioral scientist and senior author of the study by Rand Corp., a nonprofit research organization, said that this study "provides more evidence that young people who use e-cigarettes are starting to to smoke cigarettes in the future ". also suggests that adolescents do not substitute vaping products for cigarettes. Instead, they use both products more frequently as they get older. "

On the same day, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it had conducted a surprise inspection of the headquarters of electronic cigarette manufacturer Juul, removing numerous documents relating to the company's sales and marketing practices. The inspection, motivated by concerns that Juul had marketed its products to minors, comes just weeks after the FDA said the use of the e-cigarette had reached an "epidemic" level at young people and had called on the manufacturers of electronic cigarettes to keep their products away from minors. It has been illegal to sell electronic cigarettes to minors since 2016.

Juul, who has captured more than 60% of the US e-cigarette market, appears to be particularly attractive to young people. The device is small, which makes it easy to hide. comes in sweet flavors; and can be customized with dynamic graphic wraps. Juuls also has a technical appeal: they look like USB sticks and can be recharged using the USB port of a computer. The devices use liquid nicotine cartridges that, according to the manufacturer, contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. It has also been reported that young people use Juuls and other vaping devices for marijuana juice, without smoke or odor.

The youth of Maine is not immune to this epidemic. From 2009 to 2017, youth smoking rates in Maine have dropped significantly, but higher rates of vaping among youth suggest that youth interest has shifted to this new market. In addition, the return to school shows how many young people can not leave their electronic cigarette. Maine educators report that this has become a common discipline problem.

The attractiveness and use of electronic cigarettes, coupled with the lack of clarity about exactly what is inhaled, calls for new research on product ingredients and on prevention and treatment interventions.

In the meantime, adults can do something to prevent young people from consuming electronic cigarettes:

• Do not vape around youth. Adults have a profound influence on the young people around them. If they see parents and other adults marveling or smoking, it is more likely that they do it too.

• Learn the facts about electronic cigarettes. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association all have information to share on electronic cigarettes.

• Give young people the means to gather information and decide for themselves. The FDA's Truth Initiative and The Real Cost are online resources that contain many facts about e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as information about the particular risks that nicotine can cause to brain development. the teenager.

• Make sure young people know that over 99% of e-cigarettes sold in Maine contain nicotine, a harmful and addictive substance. Many young people say that the electronic cigarettes that they use do not contain nicotine.

• Encourage convenience store owners to keep electronic cigarettes, like all advertising and tobacco products, out of the sight of minors. Previous research on Rand indicates that most teens shop at convenience stores at least once a week. Those who see tobacco ads and products in convenience stores are more likely to try vaping products than teens who do not. visit stores without display.

These measures will not eliminate the consumption of electronic cigarettes by young people in Maine, but we can all do something to help – starting today.