Vaping Trends and Appeal to Young People

Vaping Devices and Teenagers

• Many popular vaping devices, such as Elf Bars, have a toy-like appearance that experts worry may entice a new generation of users.
• Elf Bars are brightly colored e-cigarettes with gentle slopes for inhalation, available in flavors like piña colada and strawberry-kiwi.
• Each Elf Bar contains the nicotine equivalent of 590 cigarettes, according to one estimate.

Rise of Trendy Vapes

• The understated look of Juul has been replaced by vibrant designs, often corresponding to flavors, in brands like Elf Bars.
• Health experts are concerned that these new vapes may hook more teenagers, as they are designed to be appealing to young people.
• About 1 in 10 high school students have used an e-cigarette in the past month, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey.

Nicotine Risks

• Nicotine is especially addictive for young people and poses both immediate and long-term lung damage risks.

Marketing to Teens

• Elf Bar, also sold as EBDesign and EBCreate, has become the leading e-cigarette brand among middle and high school students who vape.
• Other visually similar products, such as Flum Pebble, Juicy Bar, Air Bar Nex, and Lost Mary, abound.
• Experts believe that the appearance of these disposable e-cigarettes is geared to attract adolescents and even children.

Comparisons to Joe Camel

• The look of Elf Bars is compared to Joe Camel, a cartoon character retired by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company due to criticism that it targeted children.
• Decades later, e-cigarette brands are making similar visual appeals to kids.
• The FDA has issued warnings to companies selling nicotine products that resemble juice boxes.