$70 million is spent in Nevada each year to market tobacco products. Since nicotine hooks developing brains more easily, most people who smoke, begin before the age of 18.
Once upon a time, smooth characters like Joe Camel simply made it look “cool” to smoke cigarettes. Marlboro lured in customers with “Marlboro Miles” that could be mailed in for items like Jackets or hand-held radios. Today, tobacco companies market e-cigarettes to youth by mimicking the flavors and packaging of popular candies and cereals.
The 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 70.3% of middle and high school students—17.77 million youth—had been exposed to e-cigarette advertisements from at least one source.
So Many Flavors to Choose From
Tobacco companies market products in over 15,000 kid-friendly flavors. Chemical analysis has shown that the same flavor chemicals used in sweet-flavored cigars of various sizes and smokeless tobacco products are also used in popular candy and drink products. Package color and designs even mimic favorite candy brands, such as Sour Patch Kids.
What’s the Bottom Line on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults?
- The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
- E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.
- Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
Supported by the Nevada State Division of Pubic and Behavioral Health