Illegal and Unauthorized

The Real Issue Behind Today’s E-Cigarette Epidemic: What’s in Students’ Hands Isn’t FDA Approved

Across the country, teachers report that e-cigarettes have become one of the biggest disruptions in classrooms. According to new research from the Truth Initiative, educators say vaping is impacting student focus, attendance, and even mental health. Many schools describe struggling to keep up with ever-evolving devices—disguised as pens, USB drives, or cosmetics—found in lockers and backpacks.

While youth vaping rates had dipped briefly, they are again on the rise, driven by sleek, disposable products in sweet and fruity flavors that appeal directly to teens. These products are often sold openly despite being illegal and unauthorized for sale in the United States.

Here’s the critical fact: nearly all the e-cigarettes used by students are not approved by the FDA. In fact, the FDA has authorized only a handful of products—certain tobacco-flavored vapes made by major manufacturers—for adult smokers trying to quit traditional cigarettes. None of the popular brands seen in schools, including disposable vapes like Elf Bar and Breeze, have received marketing authorization. Yet they continue to flood store shelves and social media feeds, creating a massive enforcement challenge.

Health groups, including the Truth Initiative and the American Lung Association, are now urging the FDA to take stronger action to remove these illegal devices from the market and to hold major tobacco companies accountable for marketing unapproved products to youth.

As autumn brings a new school year, it’s time to clear the air. The vaping devices showing up in classrooms aren’t just distracting—they’re unapproved, illegal, and dangerous. True prevention starts with awareness, enforcement, and education about what’s really behind the smoke clouds forming in our schools.

For a complete list of FDA approved ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) products visit https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/market-and-distribute-tobacco-product/e-cigarettes-vapes-and-other-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems-ends-authorized-fda

Sources:

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/educators-perspectives-vaping-classroom-disruptive?utm_source=Truth+Initiative+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=d54311b33b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_09_25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d54311b33b-86471063

https://truthinitiative.org/press/press-release/leading-health-groups-urge-fda-stop-major-tobacco-companies-illegally-marketing?utm_source=Truth+Initiative+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=c286e8414f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_10_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-c286e8414f-86471063

https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/market-and-distribute-tobacco-product/e-cigarettes-vapes-and-other-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems-ends-authorized-fda