E-cigarettes are now considered a public health threat, particularly to youth and young adults, according to a new report from the U.S. surgeon general.
The report, which was issued on December 8, found that e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product by U.S. youth, with 1 out of every 6 high school students using a smokeless tobacco product in the past month.
E-cigarette use is also strongly associated with using other tobacco products, such as combustible cigarettes. In addition, the report emphasized that the vapor from smokeless tobacco products contains harmful ingredients, including nicotine.
The surgeon general listed several recommendations to help curb e-cigarette use, including regulating smokeless tobacco products and sponsoring educational campaigns. The report also suggested applying current tobacco policies, such as minimum age-of-sale and smoke-free laws, to e-cigarettes.
