Local organizations in New York State are highlighting concerns about tobacco industry tactics aimed at youth, especially regarding e-cigarettes. The New York Reality Check program and Tobacco Free Action Communities in Columbia & Greene (TFAC) are working to increase public awareness about how these products are marketed.
One area of concern is the marketing of e-cigarettes in flavors that appeal to young people. High school students in Catskill, NY reported seeing ads for flavors such as “Blue razz, mango, and cherry.” Jennifer Reilly Bluma, Community Engagement Lead at TFAC, stated: “Today, youth on social media encounter images of flavored tobacco products resembling candy. Although the sale of flavored e-cigarettes is illegal in New York State, they can still be found in local retailers and are very popular among youth. They continue to have easy access to e-cigarettes from family and friends, and increasingly, online retailers.” A 2024 study by the Truth Initiative found that most online sellers of e-cigarettes do not verify buyers’ age before allowing them to reach checkout.
Another issue raised is the prevalence of tobacco-related content online. The 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey indicated that nearly three-quarters of students on social media see posts about e-cigarettes. Even though tobacco product placements were removed from movies and TV after the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement, vaping imagery is common across digital platforms and streaming services. According to a report by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a recent campaign for nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes from British American Tobacco and Philip Morris reached 150 million young people worldwide, including 16 million underage teens. Research from Boston University School of Public Health has shown that daily social media use among youth with no prior tobacco experience increases their likelihood of starting smoking by 67% within one year.
Concerns also extend to the nicotine content in today’s disposable e-cigarettes. These devices often contain as much nicotine as two packs of cigarettes per unit. While restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes exist in New York State, many single-use devices remain available with high levels of nicotine. There are increased risks associated with accidental exposure or ingestion by children or pets who may mistake vaping liquid for candy. TFAC recommends storing these products securely out of reach.
TFAC Columbia Greene operates as part of the American Lung Association network and focuses on reducing tobacco use rates and promoting healthier communities throughout Columbia and Greene counties in New York State. The group receives funding from the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Control. More information can be found at https://Tobaccofreenys.org or https://Lung.org.
For details about TFAC’s work or to contact staff or youth advocates involved with anti-tobacco efforts locally, readers may reach out to Jennifer Reilly Bluma or Val Gleason through provided contact information.
To learn more about ingredients found in e-cigarettes, visit Lung.org/blog/dangerous-vape-ingredients.
