Electronic cigarettes contain concentrated nicotine and are highly addictive.

(Dan Tri) - The flavor of e-cigarettes is causing millions of young people to fall deeper into a habit that is highly addictive.

More than 1.6 million middle and high school students in the US reported using e-cigarettes in 2023, and nearly 90% of them used flavored e-cigarettes.

Percentage of US high school students using e-cigarettes from 2011 to 2023 (Photo: MMWR; CDC).

The figures reflect the rapid spread of a device that has been promoted as a youthful and convenient alternative. While many people think that an e-cigarette contains only the same amount of nicotine as a regular cigarette, data from researchers shows that the truth is completely different.

E-cigarettes have entered a new era, said Pamela Ling, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. She is the director of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education , which focuses on analyzing the tobacco industry’s marketing strategies to understand how these activities impact public health.

According to her, large tobacco corporations now own many electronics manufacturing companies and are driving strong consumer trends among young people.

Electronic cigarettes contain concentrated nicotine

Nearly a decade ago, the average e-cigarette cartridge contained as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes or 20 cigarettes. A few years ago, popular devices contained as much nicotine as three packs or 600 cigarettes.

New generation e-cigarettes contain many times more nicotine than before (Photo: Getty).

To keep users inhaling at such high levels, manufacturers changed the nicotine structure by adding acid to create nicotine salts. This technology was popularized by Juul Labs in 2015 and quickly became the common standard in the market.

Nicotine salts help reduce the burning sensation or coughing when inhaled.

This is why e-cigarettes today contain more nicotine than the first generation, making nicotine addiction a real risk. Most disposable products that are popular with young people use this technology.

Young people are the most common users.

In the US, the rate of youth using e-cigarettes is higher than that of adults. This group is susceptible to dependence because the brain is still developing until about age 25 and is very sensitive to the effects of nicotine.

The earlier the exposure, the higher the risk of addiction. Teens who use e-cigarettes are 3-5 times more likely to switch to traditional cigarettes than their peers. They also experience more asthma-like respiratory symptoms and are at increased risk of mental health disorders.

E-cigarettes have become attractive to young people for many reasons. For decades, tobacco advertising has been designed to appeal to target audiences like women, people of color, and teenagers. Tobacco companies sponsor concerts and sporting events to help young people associate smoking with a social life.

Today, as regulations force the tobacco industry to stop these practices, companies are turning to e-cigarettes, a product that doesn't face the same restrictions.

Thanks to this legal loophole, e-cigarette companies can sponsor programs, give away gifts, and promote on social media platforms.

Electronic devices are associated with a modern, technological and trendy image, making many young people feel that electronic cigarettes are far different from traditional cigarettes.

The attraction of taste and curiosity

Another reason e-cigarettes are so hard for young people to resist is the flavors. There are thousands of options on the market, from bubble gum to crème brûlée, even chicken and waffles.

These flavors appeal to the curiosity of children and teenagers. Even if they are not interested in nicotine, the appeal of the flavor is enough to make them want to try it. Once tried, the nicotine is delivered so quickly and effectively that the chance of addiction increases significantly.

Students using electronic cigarettes (Photo: Nam Tran).

Research shows that flavored products are more likely to keep young users engaged in the behavior for longer. When flavor becomes the primary motivator, users tend to increase the frequency of use without realizing how much nicotine they are consuming each day. This leads to dependence after a short time.

Research shows that teenagers who use e-cigarettes not only face the risk of nicotine addiction but may also experience respiratory problems.

E-cigarette vapor contains microscopic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. These particles accumulate over time and can cause inflammation, affecting respiratory function. Some studies have noted asthma-like symptoms in young people who use e-cigarettes, along with increased mental health problems.

Nicotine also affects the central nervous system. When the developing brain is exposed to stimulants at an early age, the risk of changes in brain structure and function increases. This makes young people susceptible to dependence, difficulty controlling emotions, and reduced ability to concentrate.

This context raises questions about the responsibility of society and regulators to protect the younger generation. The explosion of e-cigarettes in the past few years is not just a matter of behavior, but also a reflection of how companies exploit legal loopholes to reach the most vulnerable consumers.

With unprecedented levels of nicotine and sophisticated marketing, e-cigarettes are threatening the health of a generation. Correctly identifying the risks and taking action is essential to reduce future health burdens.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/thuoc-la-dien-tu-co-luong-nicotine-dam-dac-gay-nghien-nghiem-trong-20251127133659067.htm