# Beyond Juul: The New Face of Underage Nicotine Addiction - A Survey of College Students

## TL;DR

This study explores why college students use disposable vapes, highlighting their popularity and the need for stronger regulations to prevent underage nicotine addiction.

## Contribution

The study identifies factors driving underage disposable ENDS use and advocates for targeted FDA regulations.

## Key findings

- Disposable ENDS are popular among youth, with specific brands and flavors favored.
- The decline of JUUL and similar devices led to a rise in disposable ENDS use.
- Regulatory reform and education are needed to address underage nicotine addiction.

## Abstract

Youth nicotine addiction is a major public health concern in the United States. Disposable Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), or disposable vapes, are commonly sought out by youth despite not having received premarket authorization from the FDA. The objective of this study was to identify factors contributing to underage consumption of disposable ENDS.

An anonymous survey was deployed to college students to understand young adults’ perceptions and patterns of use of disposable ENDS.

Disposable ENDS are very popular among youth. The results of this study revealed the popular brands, flavors, modes of access, and attractive aspects of disposable ENDS. Survey results combined with information from the literature reveal that disposable ENDS gained popularity in the years following the decline in the popularity of pod-based ENDS, such as JUUL, following strict regulatory action from the FDA.

To ultimately address underage nicotine addiction, the FDA must hold disposable ENDS to the same regulatory standards as other tobacco products and produce regulations specifically targeted at disposable ENDS. The results of this study emphasize the importance of making effective regulatory reform and functional educational resources to prevent young people from initiating the use of disposable ENDS.