Youth tobacco use falls, but flavored e-cigarettes are still a concern
· Medical Xpressedited by Stephanie Baum, reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week shared findings from the 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). The American Heart Association has issued the following statement:
"The latest survey on youth tobacco use shows meaningful progress, with fewer middle and high school students using tobacco products overall. This improvement reflects the contribution of strong federal, state and local policies, along with sustained public health education. But these gains are fragile and in no way guaranteed to continue without our ongoing vigilance.
"The survey also reinforces areas of continued concerns. About 5.2% of students—1.44 million youth—report current e-cigarette use, and among those who use e-cigarettes, more than one in four use them daily. This daily use indicates the powerful addiction of nicotine among young people, harming their developing brain and cardiovascular health.
"The survey also shows flavored products remain a key driver of youth tobacco use, with nearly 9 in 10 youth e-cigarette users reporting use of flavors such as fruit, candy, desserts, mint and 'ice.' These findings are especially concerning in light of the FDA's first-ever authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarette products, including blueberry and mango, as well as menthol products. E-cigarettes expose the people who use them to harmful compounds including formaldehyde and heavy chemicals, and a recent research study found that menthol flavor and synthetic ingredients with an 'icy' taste may lead to abnormal heart rhythm.
"The survey data also point to growing concerns about nicotine pouches. An estimated 1.7% of youth report current use, making them one of the most commonly used nicotine and tobacco products among young people. Their rapid rise in popularity shows how quickly new products can gain traction. Recent federal enforcement changes affecting e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches could also allow more unauthorized, youth-appealing products to remain on the market, reinforcing these trends.
"Elected officials should eliminate the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol and flavored nicotine pouches, and strengthen restrictions on the marketing and sale of tobacco products. We must also make federal and state programs that help youth and others quit tobacco use a priority.
"No tobacco or nicotine product is safe. The tobacco industry continues to market flavored products that appeal to young people, driving addiction and long-term health risks and prioritizing profits over public health. The American Heart Association remains committed to advancing policies that prevent initiation, ensuring all products are appropriately reviewed for their impact on health before they are allowed to be sold, and supporting proven cessation tools that help people permanently quit."
More information
2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS)
Key medical concepts
Tobacco UseCigarette Use, ElectronicNicotineArrhythmia
Clinical categories
Preventive medicineChildren's healthPediatricsCardiologyCommon illnesses & PreventionHealthy living American Heart Association Who's behind this story?
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