According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, approximately 19.6% of high school students and 4.7% of middle school students reported current use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). This represents a significant increase in vaping rates among youth compared to previous years.

Among youth who vape, flavored e-cigarettes are particularly popular. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), conducted by the CDC, in 2020, about 82% of high school e-cigarette users and 73% of middle school e-cigarette users reported using flavored e-cigarettes.

Youth report various reasons for vaping, including curiosity, peer influence, flavor preferences, and perceptions that vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. Marketing tactics, including social media advertising and product design, also play a role in attracting young people to vaping.

In 2019, the USA experienced an outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). EVALI resulted in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths across multiple states. Most EVALI cases were linked to vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, particularly those obtained from informal sources.

While vaping is often associated with youth, adults also use e-cigarettes. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), conducted by the CDC, in 2019, approximately 3.7% of adults in the USA reported current e-cigarette use.

Many e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development and increase the risk of addiction. Youth who use nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more likely to become regular smokers in the future.

The regulation of e-cigarettes has been a topic of debate and regulatory action in the USA. Efforts to regulate vaping products have included restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes, raising the minimum age for tobacco and vaping product sales to 21, and implementing product standards and labeling requirements.

Public health officials and organizations have raised concerns about the potential health risks of vaping, particularly among youth. Educational campaigns, policy initiatives, and research efforts are underway to address vaping-related issues and protect public health.