Attorney General Curtis Hill today announced the launch of a bipartisan, multistate investigation of Juul Labs.
A 39-state coalition is investigating Juul’s marketing and sales practices, including targeting of youth, claims regarding nicotine content, and statements regarding the risks, safety and effectiveness of smoking cessation devices.
“Vaping poses significant health concerns, and it’s intended only as an alternative to smoking tobacco,†Attorney General Hill said. “Young Hoosiers need to be aware of these risks. We must encourage them to avoid these products, which should only be aimed at adults who want to quit smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products.â€
While traditional cigarette use has plummeted among youth, vaping is skyrocketing, undermining national progress towards reducing unhealthy habits. The National Youth Tobacco Survey, conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019, found more than 5 million youth reported having used e-cigarettes within the past 30 days, up from 3.6 million just one year prior.
A recent study from the CDC found that 99% of e-cigarettes sold in assessed venues in the U.S. contained nicotine, which is the addictive drug found in regular cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. Nicotine is found in Juul products.
Nicotine use can harm adolescent brain development, according to the CDC. Using nicotine in adolescence, the CDC said, can harm parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control.
Young people who use e-cigarettes may also be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future, the CDC said.
