Restricting flavored e-cigarettes cuts vaping rates but raises smoking rates for young adults, study finds
February 21, 2025 by medicalxpress.com
Restricting flavored e-cigarettes cuts vaping rates but raises smoking rates for young adults, study finds
State restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes led to a decline in young adults vaping but increased traditional cigarette smoking. Policies unintentionally shifted users to more harmful products, highlighting the need for careful public health regulations. A nuanced approach like Maryland's exemption of menthol e-cigarettes from flavor bans showed decreased rates of both vaping and smoking. Research by the University of Missouri and Yale stresses the importance of policies that steer away from the most harmful tobacco products. Professor Michael Pesko emphasizes the need to reduce tobacco-related harm effectively to achieve public health goals.
