Tobacco News and Updates: Fall 2025

Are Disposable Vapes More Toxic Than Cigarettes?

A recent study revealed that disposable vapes are hiding more dangerous truths behind their colorful designs and sweet flavors, like harmful levels of lead and other metals.¹ The study found that one vape released more lead during a day’s use than nearly 20 packs of traditional cigarettes — along with other carcinogens like nickel and antimony.²

These metals pose serious health risks, made worse by the tobacco industry’s relentless targeting of teens and young adults.³  In Oklahoma, 21.8% of high school students vape.⁴ The troubling findings prove our teens need help now more than ever.

Hollywood Is Still Glamorizing Tobacco Against Better Judgment  

Tobacco remains on screen despite evidence that on-screen smoking leads to real-world addiction. A new Truth Initiative report found that seven of the top 15 shows most popular with 15- to 24-year-olds in 2023 displayed tobacco in a positive or neutral way.⁵ 

Even shows rated for children aren’t safe from the issue. The same report cites “SpongeBob SquarePants” as a show that continually shows tobacco imagery despite its Y-7 ratings. These numbers highlight Hollywood’s involvement in addicting a new generation to dangerous products.

Tobacco Companies Can File Lawsuits Wherever Suits Them Best

The U.S. Supreme Court recently made it easier for tobacco companies to challenge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. Big Tobacco can now file lawsuits in any federal court, not just where they’re located. This “forum shopping” lets companies like R.J. Reynolds pick “friendlier” courts more likely to rule in their favor when challenging regulations. While this doesn’t change the science showing flavored vapes are designed to addict kids, it forces the FDA to waste more time and precious resources. Read more about what this means here. 

Oklahoma Teen Fights Back Against Tobacco

Last spring, Carina Chen, an Oklahoma City high school student, earned national recognition as the 2025 Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year. After watching her grandfather battle lung cancer and her father struggle to quit smoking, she joined Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program funded by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. She focused on educating Asian immigrant families about tobacco dangers while working on several anti-tobacco campaigns. Her award brings national attention to youth-led initiatives, showing that real change happens when young people take action to protect their communities from tobacco companies’ predatory tactics. Read her story here.

Zyn’s “Safe” Claims Are Under Review

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now reviewing whether Zyn nicotine pouches can be marketed as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes.⁶ In June 2025, Swedish Match USA submitted applications claiming their products pose lower risks for mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis compared to cigarettes.⁷

The FDA already authorized for sale 20 Zyn products in January 2025. Now, the company wants to make health claims about the reduced risk. It’s the FDA’s responsibility to determine the validity of these claims. This review comes as nicotine pouches gain popularity among teens, raising concerns about addicting a new generation.

Tobacco Stops With Me Website Refresh

Tobacco Stops With Me has a new look that puts the tools you need front and center. The same trusted, evidence-based research you’ve come to rely on is still here, just easier to find. We’ve completely redesigned our website to make it easier than ever for our community and partners to find the resources, statistics, news and information they need to make meaningful change. Explore the changes!