Tobacco News and Updates: Spring 2024
E-Cigarettes’ Online Sales Are Skyrocketing
Age restrictions are doing very little to protect youth from buying e-cigarettes online. Research shows exposure to tobacco content on social media doubles the odds of tobacco use among young people compared to those who are not exposed. Through lax verification processes and “discreet” shipping methods through social media, minors can buy vapes online with almost no effort. Recent research also sheds light on the many ways e-cigarette brands are using social media to advertise. Though many accounts have been banned or flagged for misconduct, several loopholes remain for them to jump through.
“A Pouch Packed With Problems”
As e-cigarettes continue to flood the market, nicotine pouches ride their coattails. A senator recently called for an investigation on the product calling it “A pouch packed with problems.” Zyn, a product initially marketed as a cessation aid, has surged in popularity over the last few years, particularly among teens and young adults. The unregulated levels of nicotine, variety of flavors and misleading marketing have parents and legislators raising their eyebrows about the pouches’ true intentions.
An Update on the Menthol Ban
A proposed ban on menthol-flavored tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently on hold. Menthol cigarettes have a devastating impact on the health of Black Americans. Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the Black community, killing more than 45,000 people each year. Big Tobacco’s marketing of menthol cigarettes — which are disproportionally marketed in Black neighborhoods with culturally coded themes — is a huge contributor to the harm. The delays of this regulation must end to protect thousands of kids and advance health equity in the Black community.
Tobacco Use Is Going Down Globally
In 2000, there were about 1.36 billion tobacco users worldwide. As of 2022, that number has dropped to 1.25 billion. Even as the global population rises, tobacco rates are steadily declining. Brazil and the Netherlands saw significant drops in tobacco use. In contrast, six countries — Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Oman and Moldova — unfortunately saw small increases.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report does not include e-cigarettes; however, cigarettes are still the number one selling tobacco product globally. This downward trend is definitely a step in the right direction but expect Big Tobacco to be one step ahead with alternative-nicotine products.