The Impact and Risks of E-Cigarettes on Adolescents and Adults

Aug.30.2022
E-cigarettes may help smokers quit, but recent data shows a rise in nicotine addiction among teens. Long-term effects are still unknown.

The Lafayette Journal and Courier, together with the Lafayette Post, report that electronic cigarettes may have both positive and negative effects on both adults and teenagers. The outcome may prove beneficial to one group while harmful to another.

 

Health officials in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, have stated that while research suggests that using e-cigarettes may help smokers quit, recent data indicates a surge in teenage nicotine addiction due to e-cigarette use.

 

According to Romesh, they believed that e-cigarettes could help people quit smoking, but in reality, since teenagers began using e-cigarettes, around 33-35% of high school sophomores have tried them. However, they have never truly smoked a cigarette.

 

Therefore, an interesting phenomenon is that those who did not smoke earlier seem to end up smoking eventually. Among the elderly demographic, using e-cigarettes seems to be able to help you quit smoking.

 

Researchers from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor conducted an annual drug use survey among eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade students. The study found that in 2019, 16% of eighth-graders, 30% of tenth-graders, and 35% of twelfth-graders reported using e-cigarettes.

 

What is the difference between smoking and vaping?

 

According to VapingFacts.health, smoking provides nicotine to the smoker by burning tobacco. E-cigarettes, on the other hand, deliver nicotine through heating liquid and inhaling.

 

Is one more dangerous than the other?

 

Nicotine addiction is harmful to a person's health, regardless of how it is obtained. However, experts have stated that smoking poses greater health risks than vaping thus far.

 

According to the Indiana Cancer Consortium's excerpt on lung cancer, the majority of cases are caused by smoking. In fact, between 80% and 90% of deaths from lung cancer in the United States are attributed to smoking.

 

Research on electronic cigarettes is relatively new. Their long-term effects are still being observed because they were invented in 2003. Their popularity can be said to have reached its peak between late 2018 and 2019.

 

However, some people have stated that electronic cigarettes may not necessarily directly lead to lung cancer.

 

According to an article from the Moffitt Cancer Center in 2020, although the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are still being studied, research indicates that e-cigarettes do not directly cause lung cancer. However, for those who have never smoked before and do not intend to, e-cigarettes may increase the risk of developing lung cancer because most e-cigarette liquid contains nicotine and toxic chemicals.

 

According to a doctor, both electronic cigarettes and regular cigarettes contain nicotine, which studies have shown can be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Clinical research director Michael Blaha of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease wrote that this is a concerning issue. In fact, many electronic cigarette users may be exposed to higher levels of nicotine than those who use combustible tobacco products. Users can buy ultra-strength refill cartridges with higher concentrations of nicotine or increase the voltage of their e-cigarettes for a greater impact.

 

How does it affect people in different ways?

 

Smokers often find it difficult to quit due to the addictive nature of smoking. Research indicates that electronic cigarettes are similarly addictive.

 

Why did Romes observe different age groups have different reactions to e-cigarettes? The main determining factor in addiction to e-cigarettes seems to be whether a person previously smoked and quit using e-cigarettes or if they have never smoked and are using e-cigarettes as their main source of nicotine.

 

Loomis stated that most teenagers (generally today) do not smoke. Statistically speaking, if 33-35% of teenagers are seen vaping, they are likely to try cigarettes. However, will they go back to vaping? Loomis believes that the time during which e-cigarettes have been in existence is not long enough to fully comprehend its specific aspects.

 

How does smoking affect the state of Indiana?

 

Robins pointed out that although Indiana is not the worst state in terms of smoking rates, it is far from being the best. "I think overall Indiana is doing well, but in some southern states in the US you see very high smoking rates," Robins said. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2019, 18.5% to 23.8% of adults in Indiana were using cigarettes, reaching the highest category.

 

Other noteworthy statistical data.

 

The nationwide outbreak related to electronic cigarettes or their use is referred to as electronic cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). According to the 2020 fiscal year Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Annual Report from the Indiana Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from all 50 states have reported over 2,800 hospitalized or fatal cases of EVALI. In Indiana, there have been 60 confirmed cases and 6 deaths (as of 2020).

 

In 2018, electronic cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among high school (18.5%) and middle school (5.5%) students in Indiana.

 

According to the same report, the tobacco industry spends $293 million annually on marketing and promoting its products in Indiana, with the majority of that expenditure going towards sales point marketing strategies such as price discounts and in-store advertising.

 

Approximately 1,770 Native Americans die every year in Indiana due to exposure to secondhand smoke or smoking during pregnancy by others.

 

A report states that approximately one-quarter (58 million) of non-smokers in the United States are exposed to secondhand smoke, including 15 million children between the ages of 3 and 11.

 

The state of Indiana is actively working to create a smoke-free and vape-free environment, while also offering various plans and resources to assist smokers of all ages in quitting.

 

According to Romiss, the best approach would be to consult online resources and speak with your doctor. "Join a program that can assist you. Find someone accountable - that always helps.

 

Statement: 1. The content of this article is compiled from third-party information and is only for communication and learning within the industry. 2. This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the content. The compilation of this article is only for industry communication and research purposes. 3. Due to the limitations of the compilation level, the compiled article may not fully reflect the original text, so please refer to the original text. 4. For any domestic, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or foreign statements and positions, 2FIRSTS fully aligns with the Chinese government. 5. The copyright of the compiled information and the author belongs to the original media. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete.

 


Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Canada Health Minister Says She Is Not Considering Looser Nicotine Pouch Retail Rules as PMI-Linked Group Pushes for Wider Access
Canada Health Minister Says She Is Not Considering Looser Nicotine Pouch Retail Rules as PMI-Linked Group Pushes for Wider Access
Canadian Health Minister Marjorie Michel says she is not considering loosening retail restrictions on nicotine pouches. Canada regulates pouches containing 4 mg or less of nicotine per unit as non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy and requires newer NRT formats such as pouches to be sold from behind pharmacy counters. Meanwhile, Unsmoke Canada, linked to Philip Morris International's Canadian business, is pushing to allow pouches in convenience stores and other general retail outlets. Health Canada also acknowledges continued unauthorized sales, while recent research shows rising pouch use among Canadian youth aged 16 to 19.
Sep.24
North Carolina Tightens Vape Product Directory Enforcement, Expands State and Local Powers as Violators Face Fines, Product Seizures and License Suspension or Revocation
North Carolina Tightens Vape Product Directory Enforcement, Expands State and Local Powers as Violators Face Fines, Product Seizures and License Suspension or Revocation
North Carolina has expanded enforcement of its vapor product directory rules, authorizing more state and local law enforcement participation and establishing a task force led by the State Bureau of Investigation. The legislation requires at least one unannounced compliance inspection annually for retailers, distributors and wholesalers handling covered products. Penalties effective October 1, 2026, include civil fines of $500–$750 for a first violation and $1,000–$1,500 for repeated violations within 12 months, along with potential license suspension or revocation. Manufacturers may face penalties of $10,000 per unlisted product. The measures strengthen the product directory system established in 2024.
Regulations
Oct.28
Special Report | How Capital Is Reassessing the Global Tobacco and Modern Nicotine Industry: Lessons from a New York Forum
Special Report | How Capital Is Reassessing the Global Tobacco and Modern Nicotine Industry: Lessons from a New York Forum
Capital is reassessing the global tobacco and modern nicotine industry as heated tobacco, vaping and nicotine pouches reshape demand, profitability and regulation. At the 2026 New Approaches Summit in New York, investors and analysts examined whether smoke-free growth can sustain earnings, how regulation shapes startup value, and whether shareholder engagement can be more effective than divestment. The debate points to a broader shift: tobacco transition is increasingly becoming a capital-allocation, governance and valuation question.
Capital Markets
Oct.05
2Firsts First Look|China to End VAT Export Rebates on Vape Devices and Nicotine in April 2027, Following Earlier Removal for HTP Devices and Nicotine Vapes
2Firsts First Look|China to End VAT Export Rebates on Vape Devices and Nicotine in April 2027, Following Earlier Removal for HTP Devices and Nicotine Vapes
China's Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration announced on October 12, 2026, that value-added tax (VAT) export rebates for vape devices, nicotine and its salts, and certain non-combustible inhalation products will be eliminated from April 1, 2027. The measure adds four tobacco- and nicotine-related customs codes, including 8543400010, which covers vape devices and qualifying empty pods. China previously eliminated rebates for nicotine-containing vaping products and devices under code 8543400090 in April 2026. According to industry classification information held by 2Firsts, the latter currently corresponds to heated tobacco devices. Export excise tax refund and exemption arrangements will remain unchanged.
Special Report
Oct.12
PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
PMI Expands U.S. ZYN Portfolio With New 1.5 mg and 8 mg Strengths, Moves Toward a Unified 20-Pouch-Per-Can Format
Philip Morris International is expanding its U.S. ZYN nicotine pouch portfolio with new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths and plans to move its core 3 mg and 6 mg dry-pouch products from 15 to 20 pouches per can in the fourth quarter of 2026. ZYN ULTRA is also commercially available, with FDA authorization covering 10 products at 9 mg and one 11 mg Smooth product. PMI U.S. lists the new 1.5 mg and 8 mg strengths as commercially available, but as of September 10 they do not appear on the FDA’s public authorization list. Public materials do not identify which PMTA submissions cover the two new strengths or their current review status.
Sep.11
U.S. Health Groups Seek to Overturn FDA Enforcement Discretion for Pending PMTAs as Altria's Helix, NJOY and AVM Move to Intervene
U.S. Health Groups Seek to Overturn FDA Enforcement Discretion for Pending PMTAs as Altria's Helix, NJOY and AVM Move to Intervene
American Vapor Manufacturers (AVM) and Altria subsidiaries Helix Innovations and NJOY filed separate motions on October 7, 2026, seeking to intervene on the FDA's side in a lawsuit challenging its enforcement guidance for certain e-cigarette and nicotine pouch products with pending premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs). Seven public health and tobacco-control organizations, including the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, sued the agency in July to overturn the policy. AVM argues that vacating the guidance could disrupt orders, inventory, retail distribution and investments in regulatory submissions.
Regulations
Oct.09