Tobacco-Free Nicotine Claims May Influence Youth Vaping

May.10.2022
Tobacco-Free Nicotine Claims May Influence Youth Vaping
Research shows labeling electronic cigarettes as "tobacco-free nicotine" may lead to increased usage among young people.

A study conducted online and published in the journal "Tobacco Control" surveyed 1,822 non-regular users of electronic cigarettes aged 18 to 29. The participants were asked for their opinions on Puff Bar electronic cigarettes, which were claimed to contain either "nicotine-free" or "nicotine-added" ingredients during sale.

 

The study findings suggest that the statement could potentially decrease young people's perception of the health risks associated with the product, and may encourage them to use Puff Bar brand products with a "no smoke" label, instead of other types and brands of electronic cigarettes.

 

Given the limited knowledge about the health effects of using nicotine-free vaping products and the lack of clear regulations, these findings are concerning," said Julia Chen-Sankey, a researcher at the Rutgers Tobacco Research Center and assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health. "More and more e-cigarette brands and products are being marketed as 'nicotine-free' or using similar language such as 'non-tobacco nicotine' or 'synthetic nicotine'. If these claims increase the likelihood of young people using e-cigarettes who would not otherwise, regulatory action must be taken immediately to prevent an increase in youth e-cigarette use.

 

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented a flavor ban in January 2020, the United States saw a sharp decline in Juul sales and a steep increase in flavored Puff Bar devices. "Flavors have played a role in enticing youth to purchase tobacco products," said Professor Richard Miech, chief investigator at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, which studied the ban's impact on young consumers. "We note that the growth in teen e-cigarette use hit the brakes in 2020. Youth use of Juul dropped at a record pace from 2019-20.

 

In 2020, Puff Bar became the third most commonly used brand of electronic cigarettes among teenagers. This brand sells disposable e-cigarettes online in a variety of flavors, including pink lemonade, tobacco, and strawberry, as well as various colors (some of which glow when in use). These devices contain 5%, or 50 milligrams, of nicotine salts.

 

Source: VapingPost.

 

According to a study, the prevalence of claims about tobacco-free nicotine may lead to an increase in teenage vaping. Possible rephrased version: Claims promoting the use of nicotine that is free of tobacco could potentially encourage more teenagers to start vaping, says a recent study.

 


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