Health experts at St. Joseph’s Health are raising serious concerns following a new decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize the marketing of four flavored electronic cigarette products.
The FDA announced in May that it will allow the sale of four vape products — two menthol and two fruit-flavored options, including mango and blueberry — marking the first time non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes have been cleared for marketing in the United States.
While the products are intended for adults ages 21 and older, public health leaders warn the move could have unintended consequences, particularly for young people.
“This decision is deeply concerning from a public health perspective,” said Kristen Richardson, director of the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health and Director of Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego. “We know that flavored tobacco products, including vapes, are a key reason why young people start using nicotine. Introducing new flavored options, even with restrictions, risks normalizing use and increasing curiosity among youth.”
Vaping remains the most commonly used tobacco product among young people, with millions of middle and high school students reporting use in recent years. Health officials say it’s no coincidence—most kids who vape are choosing flavored products, and those flavors are a big reason they start in the first place. Although some manufacturers argue that flavored vapes may help adult smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes, experts emphasize that these products are still harmful.
“No form of vaping is safe,” said Pranita Ghimire, critical care pulmonologist at St. Joseph’s Health. “Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development in adolescents. In addition, the aerosol inhaled from vaping devices contains harmful chemicals, including substances linked to lung disease, heart disease, and even cancer.”