Study Finds 84% Youth E-Cigarette Users Modify Devices Risks Increase

A national study led by Georgia State University revealed that over 84 percent of youth and young adult e-cigarette users modify their devices, often in ways that increase exposure to harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, nicotine, and cannabis. Meanwhile, Wisconsin enacted a law requiring all vaping products sold in the state to have FDA approval, leading to lawsuits from vape retailers who argue the law severely restricts their business and choices for consumers. Retailers express concern that the law, which imposes fines starting September 1, may push users back to traditional cigarettes, countering efforts to reduce smoking rates. The FDA recently authorized five Juul e-cigarette products as appropriate for public health protection, reversing a previous Biden administration ban, which has sparked criticism from public health advocates who warn that flavored e-cigarettes continue to fuel youth vaping. Despite the FDA approval, public health officials emphasize the harms of vaping, especially among youth, and the need for responsible regulation. These developments highlight ongoing tensions between regulatory efforts to curb youth vaping and the business interests of vape retailers.