Alternative Tobacco Use Grows Among Youth

Alternative Tobacco Use Grows Among Youth

Tobacco products, such as hookahs, electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes), and cigars, are increasingly popular among preteens, teens, and young adults—according to a report published in November in the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. While the use of such tobacco products has increased, cigarette smoking and overall tobacco use remained steady among these age groups.

The report cited data from the 2012 National Youth Tobacco Survey, which revealed increases in these types of tobacco use among all age groups from 2011 to 2012. Among middle-school students, the use of e-cigarettes increased by 0.5%, while among high-school students the use of e-cigarettes grew by 1.3% and hookah use increased by 1.3%. In addition, the data show that cigar use among high school-age nonHispanic blacks rose 5%—more than double the rate recorded in 2009.

According to the authors, the increased use of these types of tobacco products can be attributed to a host of factors. For instance, “little” cigars that look like cigarettes can be purchased in appealing flavors, are inexpensive, and are sold individually—making them a popular option. The CDC found that among middle school and high school cigar smokers, one in three choose “little” cigars. Greater investment by tobacco manufacturers in marketing to this demographic and the misconception that these products are safer than cigarettes play a role in their growing popularity. E-cigarettes, hookahs, and cigars are also not subject to regulation by the US Food and Drug Administration, though the administration is working to fix this loophole through its proposed Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
December 2013