Dr. Stella Juhyun Lee, a former postdoctoral fellow of the NCI-funded Educational Program in Cancer Prevention, and others have recently authored “Youth and Young Adult Use of Pod-Based Electronic Cigarettes From 2015 to 2019: A Systematic Review” in JAMA Pediatrics. SBS-affiliated co-authors include Drs. Vaughan Rees, who mentored Dr. Lee, Karen Emmons, and Andy Tan.
In the study, Dr. Lee and others advocate for regulatory action to prevent youth and young adults from using JUUL and other pod-based e-cigarettes. “While these products may contain less harmful constituents than other types of e-cigarettes and cigarettes,” writes the authors, “there is no evidence that the levels found are safe among youth. There is evidence for higher nicotine dependence associated with their use.”
Specifically, the study notes JUUL’s sleek and concealable design, ease of consumption, and flavors such as mango and mint that have appealed to youths through the company’s social media marketing.
