Illegal Disposable Vapes: Shops Continue to Sell to Teens

Despite being illegal, disposable and flavored vapes, popular among youth, remain widely available in the US due to the rapid growth of the market and the complexity of the industry, making it difficult to regulate. The rise in vaping has reversed declines in nicotine use among teens and young adults, with 16.5% of high school students using nicotine products and 14% vaping. Most e-cigarettes come from China, making it challenging to stop their influx. The FDA has taken steps to address the issue, including banning imports of certain black-market products and sending warnings to retailers. However, the constant introduction of new brands and products makes it challenging to close loopholes. Local inspection of retailers and enforcement of hefty fines for violations are advocated by anti-smoking advocates, but some local authorities have shown little interest in enforcing the sales of illegal vapes. Education and awareness about the dangers of vaping remain a challenge, with parents often unaware that their children are vaping due to the stealthy design of the devices.