Big Tobacco’s Newest Product Push

vape pods

Big Tobacco is always looking for new customers – and higher profits – while actively undermining clean air policies for our communities being promoted through legislation and by consumer advocacy groups. In the battle against Big Tobacco, it’s important to stay informed on the dangers of emerging tobacco products and technology hitting the marketplace and hooking our kids.

New products, combined with the explosion of social media, expose our youth to ever-evolving ways to consume and become addicted to tobacco. Plus, the flavored tobacco landscape is bigger than ever, in spite of the FDA’s flavor ban.

Let’s dive in.

Heat not burn

IQOS & Heat-Not-Burn Technology

Heat-not-burn (HNB) is Big Tobacco’s newest technology designed to addict a whole new generation. HNB products, such as IQOS, heat specially formulated tobacco to deliver a flavor more akin to regular tobacco products.

Tobacco never promotes good health. Yet, Big Tobacco touts lab tests indicating this new technology is healthier than cigarettes. However, independent research doesn’t show this to be the case. This study, funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, states HNB products are linked to high blood pressure, stiffening of the arteries, increased heart rate and reduced heart function. In other words, HNB tech carries the same deadly risk in a flashy new package.

In 2020, the FDA approved the marketing of these products. Find more information about HNB technology.

juul

Big Vape: JUUL, Vuse, Njoy Ace

While there are numerous vape companies on the market, there are two major players. JUUL accounted for 63% of e-cigarette sales while Vuse stood at 24%.

Each of these companies offers refillable vapes and pods. They also offer their own line of disposable vapes available in a variety of flavors. On average, these vaping products contain between 4.5-5% nicotine. Another vape product, Puff Bar, was ordered by the FDA to take some of their products off the market due to their contributions to underage vaping.

refillable vapes

Puff Bar & Disposables

Youth vaping? It’s still an epidemic — and Puff Bar’s continued popularity can be attributed to a loophole in the FDA’s flavor ban. This loophole allows for the sale of all flavors in disposable vapes. This means Puff Bar continues to peddle more than 20 flavor options.

Why are disposable vapes dangerous? They pack a staggering amount of nicotine. Just one disposable Puff Bar can contain the same amount of nicotine as two packs of cigarettes. One Puff Bar = 40 cigarettes. Let that sink in.

Combine that nicotine with the discreet nature of vapes, and you get a recipe for quicker consumption and stronger addiction. Kids aren’t equipped with the impulse control that comes with adult brain development — and it’s easier to get away with vaping because the vapor dissipates quicker than cigarette smoke. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Vape companies like Puff Bar, Blu and Bidi Stick continue to profit from addicting our kids. A whole generation is facing a lifetime of nicotine addiction, while these companies swim in cash. This racket needs to stop.

Read more about the vape flavors ban.

velo

Velo and Zen

Nicotine pouches and lozenges are pitched as the tobacco-free alternative to regular dip or snus. Because of this, Velo and Zen products are touted as a solution for those quitting tobacco. Just because there is no tobacco doesn’t mean they are safe.

Nicotine use — especially for those under 26 years of age — permanently alters the brain. Underage exposure puts our youth at a high risk of developing not only nicotine addiction, but mood and impulse control disorders. Just like youth vaping, underage nicotine use — including Velo and Zen — can lead to serious, lifelong consequences.

See more about the risks of nicotine.

teen vaping

Tobacco’s End Goal

The tobacco industry has their eyes set on one thing: our kids. Capturing youth as new customers is key to Big Tobacco’s plans for the future. Caught in the crosshairs is our youth, another generation at risk of lifelong nicotine addiction.

Staying updated on the latest tobacco prevention news is the best way we can protect our youth. Join the Tobacco Stops With Me newsletter to get the latest tobacco news, legislation updates and more. Together, we can fight against Big Tobacco — and win!

Published by Tobacco Stops With Me on March 29, 2021

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