Two new studies published today in JAMA leave no doubt that the youth e-cigarette epidemic is getting worse and it is being driven by Juul and its flavored products, especially mint. Importantly, these studies indicate that youth use of mint and menthol e-cigarettes increased after Juul restricted the availability of other flavors, like mango, in November 2018. These findings underscore why the Trump Administration must stand strong and implement its plan to clear the market of all flavored e-cigarettes. If menthol or any other flavors are left on the market, the evidence is clear that kids will move to them and this epidemic will continue.
The JAMA studies highlight the severity of the youth epidemic, Juul’s role in creating it and the need for bold action. The first study, based on data from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey, shows:
The second study, based on data from the 2019 Monitoring the Future study, confirms the popularity of mint products with kids. It found that mint was the most popular flavor among Juul users in 10th and 12th grades.
These studies provide powerful scientific support for the Administration’s plan to clear the market of all flavored e-cigarettes, including mint and menthol. Only the elimination of all flavored e-cigarettes can reverse this epidemic and stop the e-cigarette industry from addicting a generation of kids.
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