Youth e-cigarette use hits lowest level in a decade

The number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes dropped to the lowest level in a decade, according to new data from the FDA. 

E-cigarette use among teenagers is around one-third of what it was at its peak in 2019, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the agency. 

According to data collected between January and May, 1.6 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, down from 2.1 million in 2023. 

Brian King, PhD, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products called the numbers a "monumental public health win." 

"This progress is a testament to the relentless efforts by the FDA, CDC and others, particularly over the past half decade," Dr. King said in the news release. "But we can’t rest on our laurels, as there’s still more work to do to further reduce youth e-cigarette use." 

Youth nicotine pouch use did not change significantly between 2023 and 2024. Around 2% of middle and high school students reported using the products in the past 30 days. 

Dr. King said the FDA is aware of reported growing sales for of the products and is "closely monitoring" the tobacco product landscape for threats to public health. 

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