The 2024 figures mark the lowest level of youth vaping in a decade. In comparison, the peak of e-cigarette use among teenagers occurred in 2019, when over 5 million students were reported to be using these products. The recent decline is seen as a major achievement in the ongoing efforts to reduce youth tobacco use.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicate a notable decrease in e-cigarette use among middle and high school students. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, which covered the period from January 22 to May 22, 2024, the number of students using e-cigarettes has dropped significantly. The survey found that 1.63 million students were using e-cigarettes in 2024, a decline from 2.13 million in 2023. This represents a reduction of approximately half a million students.
Factors Contributing to the Decline in Vaping Use
The decrease in e-cigarette use is primarily attributed to a significant drop among high school students, which fell from 1.56 million in 2023 to 1.21 million in 2024. Although middle school use remained relatively stable, it has been decreasing since 2019. Several factors have contributed to this decline:
- Regulatory Actions: The FDA has taken rigorous steps to curb youth vaping, including issuing over 1,000 warning letters and 240 civil penalties to retailers and others involved in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, particularly those branded under Elf Bar. The FDA also placed Elf Bar products on an import alert list, which has contributed to a decrease in their use.
- Enforcement and Inspections: The FDA’s enforcement actions, including inspections and penalties, have targeted retailers selling to minors, thus impacting the availability of these products.
The decline in Elf Bar usage is particularly notable, with the percentage of students using these products dropping from 56.7% in 2023 to 36.1% in 2024. This decrease reflects the effectiveness of the FDA’s regulatory efforts. Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, acknowledged the progress but emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
Concerns and Future Directions
Despite the positive trend, experts caution that more work remains to be done:
- Daily Usage and Flavored Vapes: Among young e-cigarette users, 26.3% reported daily use. Flavored vapes remain popular, with fruit flavors leading at 62.8%, followed by candy and mint flavors. Dr. Sharon Levy from Boston Children’s Hospital called for stricter regulations on flavored products, arguing that their continued availability contributes to higher usage rates.
- Increasing Risks: The capacity of modern e-cigarettes to deliver up to 15,000 puffs compared to earlier models that provided around 200 puffs raises concerns about increased addiction risks. Levy highlighted the danger of unregulated use due to the absence of a natural stopping point.
Nicotine Pouch Use
The survey also found that the use of nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, remains steady among adolescents. Approximately 1.8% of youth reported using nicotine pouches in 2024, similar to the previous year. Nicotine pouches are often mistaken for smoking cessation aids, but experts like Dr. Levy point out that they are not intended for quitting and pose different risks compared to FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies.
The latest data shows a promising decline in youth e-cigarette use, marking a significant achievement in public health efforts. However, ongoing vigilance, stricter regulations, and continued education are necessary to sustain this progress and address emerging concerns related to vaping and nicotine products.