In a recent move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently permitted the sale of the first flavored e-cigarettes beyond the traditional tobacco taste.
These new e-cigarettes come in four forms: two sealed, pre-filled, and refillable pods and two pre-filled, non-refillable disposable devices, both containing menthol-flavored nicotine liquid.1
This decision has sparked debate, with potential benefits and drawbacks for different groups,2 particularly those more susceptible to the effects of nicotine.
Flavored Vapes Officially Hit the Market
Up until recently, the FDA had only allowed the sale of tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes.
However, on June 21, 2024, the FDA authorized the sale of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes for the first time. This means that e-cigarette manufacturers can now market vapes with the minty flavor derived from peppermint, potentially making them more appealing to consumers.
This decision has sparked debate, with some groups expressing concerns about the potential impact on public health, especially among young people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, menthol is a chemical compound that when used in cigarettes, it can make it more difficult to quit smoking.(ref)
Flavored Vapes Availability In the U.S.
Flavored vapes were already available in the U.S., but they weren’t officially allowed. Even though only tobacco-flavored e-liquids were officially approved, many people were using flavored ones.(ref) These unauthorized vapes are considered illegal.(ref)
This widespread use of illegal vapes is partly why many people associate vaping with health issues like lung injuries.(ref) These harmful effects are often linked to the dangerous chemicals found in illegal products,(ref) which are not present in vapes authorized by the FDA.
The government is taking action to address the issue of illegal vapes with a federal multi-agency task force,(ref) but the market is still flooded with unauthorized and potentially dangerous products, many of which are made in China.
Potential Harm & Risks
Tobacco companies add menthol to cigarettes to make them smoother and more attractive, particularly targeting Black communities.(ref) This led the FDA to propose a ban on menthol cigarettes in 2022, citing concerns about their appeal to youth and negative health effects. However, this ban has not been implemented.(ref)
Research indicates that flavored e-cigarettes, even without tobacco, are enticing, especially for young people.(ref) This raises concerns about the potential harms of the newly authorized menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, potentially leading to addiction and other health risks.
The FDA had previously rejected applications for menthol e-cigarettes due to insufficient evidence demonstrating that the benefits for adult smokers outweighed the potential risks to young people.(ref)
E-Cigarette Regulations
In the US, e-cigarettes with nicotine are regulated by the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. This means that manufacturers need the FDA’s permission before they can sell their products.
To get this permission, manufacturers must submit an application that shows their e-cigarettes are safe and effective. The FDA then carefully reviews the scientific evidence provided. They assess if the potential benefits of the product, like helping adults quit smoking, outweigh any potential risks, such as attracting young people to vaping.
Potential Health Effects of Menthol Vapes
Research suggests that there’s no clear difference in health risks between menthol and tobacco-flavored e-liquids themselves.(ref) However, the appeal of menthol flavor might encourage more non-smokers, especially young people, to start vaping, which could lead to nicotine addiction and other health issues.
On the other hand, menthol-flavored vapes might also help current smokers switch to vaping, which is less harmful than smoking. This could lead to improved health for them and those around them by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
Remember that smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, killing more than eight million people each year.(ref) Therefore, options that increase the chances of quitting smoking, like vaping, could offer significant health benefits.
To authorize these new menthol-flavored products, the FDA had to thoroughly review extensive research to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Source:
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-four-menthol-flavored-e-cigarette-products-after-extensive-scientific
- https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/21/health/fda-menthol-vapes-response/index.html
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
