Teen E-cigarette Use Hits 10-Year Low

Teen E-cigarette Use Hits 10-Year Low

Introduction

Federal officials report a significant decline in teen vaping rates in the U.S., with about half a million fewer middle and high school students using e-cigarettes in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The findings, published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on September 5, are based on data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), conducted by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This continues a trend that has seen teen vaping rates drop by one-third since 2019.

The decline in youth vaping comes after years of efforts by health experts and regulators to combat the teen vaping epidemic, which had made e-cigarettes the most popular form of tobacco among U.S. teens. The widespread use of e-cigarettes, especially brands like JUUL, led to concerns over nicotine addiction in a new generation of young Americans, reversing progress in reducing teen tobacco use. Products with fruity flavors and sleek designs that appealed to children contributed to the rise of this public health issue.

Although e-cigarette manufacturers initially promoted their products as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, research has shown that vaping exposes users to harmful chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer. Vaping has also been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and DNA damage, similar to smoking traditional cigarettes.

The NYTS is a yearly, school-based survey of U.S. middle and high school students, conducted from January to May 2024. It showed that the number of young people who vaped decreased from 2.13 million in 2023 to 1.63 million in 2024, with the reduction primarily driven by a decline in high school students who vape, which fell by about 250,000.

Among those who continue to vape, 87% reported using flavored products, with fruit flavors being the most popular at 62%, followed by candy flavors (33%) and mint flavors (25%). Federal regulators have been working to remove many of these flavors from the market. The most popular vaping brands among teens in 2024 were Elf Bar, Breeze, Mr. Frog, Vuse, and JUUL.

Studies have shown that teens are more likely to use e-cigarettes with candy-like or unconventional flavors. Research published earlier this year also linked higher vaping rates to the use of disposable e-cigarettes, which remain common among youth.

While the drop in vaping rates is seen as a positive development, officials stress that ongoing efforts are needed to maintain this progress. The FDA and CDC continue to push for stronger regulatory actions to prevent a resurgence in vaping and to address the rising use of nicotine pouches, which have become a new area of concern.

Nicotine pouches, which resemble small pieces of candy or gum, are placed in the mouth and do not produce fumes or vapors, making them easier for teens to use discreetly. The 2024 NYTS data shows that the use of nicotine pouches among youth increased from 1.5% in 2023 to 1.8% in 2024, with roughly half a million teens reporting use. Of those, 22% said they used the product daily. Popular brands included Zen and On!, with Zen being the most commonly used.

Health experts are alarmed by the growing popularity of nicotine pouches among teens, as their discreet nature makes it difficult for teachers and parents to detect use. As vaping rates fall, attention is shifting to ensure that the use of nicotine pouches does not spark a new epidemic among U.S. teens. Regulatory and public health efforts are expected to focus on preventing the rise of these products in the coming years.