Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Smoking, vaping, and other uses of tobacco products cause many diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular and lung diseases. Smokeless tobacco is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Policies that make tobacco less accessible, especially for youth, can prevent use into adulthood - nearly nine out of 10 adults who use tobacco daily first tried smoking by age 18.
Why It Matters
Two long-standing national surveys find that youth vaping has increased dramatically in recent years, while cigarette smoking has decreased. Flavorings in tobacco products can make them more appealing to youth. Even though a purchaser must be 21 to purchase tobacco products, nearly 2,000 high school students in New Hampshire reported buying electronic vaper products for themselves at gas stations, convenience stores, or grocery stores in 2021.
By the Numbers
16.2%
of students in 2021 reported that they were currently vaping or using an e-cigarette product (Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021)
88.2%
of high school students who used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days reported using a flavored e-cigarette during that time (CDC Youth and Tobacco Use, 2024)
67.4%
of students who currently used e-cigarettes in 2020 reported trying to quit in the last year.
Our Impact
New Futures has advocated for policies that limit youth access to tobacco. Prior to the federal legislation, New Futures championed Tobacco 21 legislation in New Hampshire to restrict sales of tobacco products to youth under the age of 21.
