According to research findings published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Public Health & Surveillance, the majority of underage Juul users are not vaping in an effort to wean themselves off regular cigarettes. The use of Juul products exposes teens to negative e-cigarette side effects.

Using machine-learning algorithms, a research team comprising the University of Utah Health, the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the University of California, San Diego analyzed 28,590 tweets to gain more insight into adolescent e-cigarette use. 

The team discovered that only 1.43% of Twitter discussion by teenage Juul users mentioned using the popular e-cigarette brand to quit smoking. Less than 7% of the tweets contained any mention of health risks or benefits in connection with Juul at all. 

In fact, the study revealed that the overall sentiments about vaping expressed by underage Juul users on Twitter were positive. This finding may support previous studies suggesting that social media may be a driving force behind the product’s popularity with teens. Notably, the Twitter discussion among young adults was largely silent on the topic of health risks or benefits associated with Juul. 

What Are Juul E-Cigarettes?

Juul, owned by Philip Morris, became the most popular brand of e-cigarette in the U.S., following a 600% sale surge from 2016-2017. The company’s e-cigarettes are designed to look like USB flash drives, allowing them to be inconspicuous in a school setting, contributing to their popularity with young adults.

According to Juul’s website, the company’s e-cigarette products are an alternative “for adult smokers looking to move away from traditional cigarettes.”

Although e-cigarettes have often been regarded as an alternative to cigarettes or a means to quit smoking, widespread use among young adults has raised concerns about the severe impact of vaping on adolescent lung and heart health, as well as their developing brains.

What Is in Juul E-Cigarettes? 

Unlike regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes operate on battery. A nicotine formula is heated in the device to produce an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. The e-liquid formulation used in Juul e-cigarettes includes nicotine, propylene glycol and glycerine, and benzoic acid.

Although the company previously manufactured numerous flavors, these were banned by federal law in late 2019 due to Juul’s increased popularity among underage users amid growing concerns about the health risks associated with teen vaping. 

Before the ban, statistics reported 81% of teens said the only reason they used e-cigarettes was because of the available flavors. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly two-thirds of young adults aged 15-24 are not aware that Juul e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine — one Juul pod is actually equivalent to the nicotine in a pack of cigarettes. Unlike most other e-cigarette brands, Juul uses nicotine salts in its formula, allowing for more nicotine intake with less irritation.

Can E-Cigarettes Help You Quit Smoking?

Despite the marketing of some e-cigarette companies, there is no definitive medical evidence that vaping can help a person quit smoking. The CDC also notes that there are mixed studies on its effectiveness.

Additionally, use of e-cigarettes is not a smoking cessation method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What Are the Health Risks of Juul E-Cigarettes for Young Adults?

Using e-cigarettes poses serious health risks for young people due to intake of nicotine and exposure to other harmful ingredients emitted through aerosol.

E-cigarettes have been linked to a number of serious health issues, including lung disease, asthma, respiratory illnesses, and heart problems. Earlier this year, the CDC reported thousands of hospitalizations for lung injuries related to vaping.

In addition, young adults face other health risks related to e-cigarette use. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that vaping can adversely affect the adolescent brain, which isn’t fully developed until age 25. Nicotine’s effects on the brain can put young people at risk for nicotine addiction and mood disorders. It can also permanently impact impulse control and the parts of the brain responsible for controlling attention.  

There is also evidence to suggest that teen vaping is linked to their usage of other tobacco products. In fact, seven out of ten high school smokers smoke both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. 

Can I File a JUUL Lawsuit?

With health concerns related to teenage vaping on the rise, numerous lawsuits have been filed across the country in connection with JUUL’s advertising as well as illnesses allegedly linked to the company’s e-cigarettes. If you or a loved one suffered from an e-cigarette lung or heart problem, or another health issue related to JUUL, you may be able to join a JUUL class action lawsuit. An attorney who handles class action lawsuits can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve in a class action settlement.