The Uncertain Impact of Emerging Nicotine Products on Youth
While a promising decline in youth tobacco use has been observed, the rise of new nicotine products poses challenges for long-term health assessment. The latest 2025 Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey indicates that 7.2% of students are currently using tobacco products, with a preference for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Lisa Sheretz from Northern Nevada Public Health notes similar patterns among Nevada’s youth. Although the downward trend in usage is positive, the relatively recent introduction of these nicotine products results in a lack of long-term health impact data.
“These are fairly new products in the great scheme of long term studies of the effects,” stated Sheretz. “So we don’t have conclusive long term, 20 years, 30 years. How have these affected our kids? We don’t know yet.”
Nicotines’ immediate effects include increased heart rate and tightened circulation, akin to revving a car engine at a stoplight, potentially leading to cardiovascular strain over time, according to Sheretz.
In the short term, nicotine’s addictive nature is well-documented. Sheretz emphasizes the importance of early education on addiction, suggesting discussions start as early as elementary school.
Data from Nevada’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals that one-third of high school students have experimented with e-cigarettes. Nicotine pouches, due to their discreet nature, are particularly concerning as they can be easily concealed.
For those seeking to quit, resources such as the Truth Initiative and My Life, My Quit are available. However, Sheretz insists that increasing funding for tobacco control programs is key to reducing tobacco use both in Nevada and nationwide.
