Economy

Federal Report Raises Red Flags For E-Cigs

by Paul Garber

Various types of e-cigarette devices are shown in this image from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

U.S. health officials are sounding the alarm on e-cigarettes, with the surgeon general saying the product is a growing threat to the nation's youth.

In the first comprehensive federal report on the subject, the government's top doctor warns that e-cigarettes have gone from a rarity among youth just six years ago to being the most common way they consume tobacco products now. Use of e-cigs by young adults ages 18-24 is now higher than that of adults 25 and older.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says those products can harm the developing brains of teens and young adults.

"These effects can lead not only to (nicotine) addiction, but also deficits in attention and learning, reduced impulse control and mood disorders," he says. 

E-cigs include a wide range of devices which all involve heating a nicotine fluid into an aerosol that users inhale. They are also known as e-hookahs, vape pens, vapes and tank systems. 

Nicotine comes from tobacco, and Reynolds American is among the tobacco companies moving aggressively into the market as demand for traditional cigarettes continues its decades-long slide. Reynolds' brand is called Vuse.

Reynolds spokesman David Howard says he hasn't had time to read the full report but agrees with its message to youth.

“Minors should never use e-cigarettes or any other tobacco product," he says. "Additionally, adults who do not use tobacco products or who have quit tobacco should not start using e-cigarettes or any other tobacco product.”
 

The surgeon general acknowledges that there is still much confusion and uncertainty about e-cigarettes, and says more research is needed. 

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