ARTICLE: Trends in Nicotine Strength in Electronic Cigarettes Sold in the United States by Flavor, Product Type, and Manufacturer, 2017–2022
According to an article published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, e-cigarette nicotine strengths sold in the United States have been trending upward over the last five years. This study assessed nicotine-strength trends in e-cigarettes sold in the U.S. from January 2017 to March 2022 and found that the monthly average nicotine strength of e-cigarette products increased from 2.5% to 4.4%, an average increase of 0.8% per month.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Publishes Tobacco Products-Related Citizen Petitions Webpage
On March 23, 2023, the FDA published a new webpage of all the tobacco products-related citizen petitions received by the agency’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). A citizen petition is a way for individuals, regulated industry representatives, or consumer groups to petition FDA to issue, amend, revoke a regulation, or to take other administrative action. The requirements for a citizen petition are set out in the Code of Federal Regulations.
As part of CTP’s stated commitment to increase transparency, this webpage was developed to provide the public with more easily accessible and user-friendly information about tobacco product-related citizen petitions submitted to FDA and the center’s responses.
This webpage was one of the immediate actions toward transparency outlined by CTP Director Dr. Brian King in CTP’s Response to the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s Report.
SelfMade Health Network (SMHN) Releases The Lungs and Beyond: How Cardiovascular Disease and Cancers Caused by Commercial Tobacco Affect Low-Income Populations Fact Sheet
As part of a collaborative effort with American Heart Association partners, SelfMade Health Network (SMHN) recently released a new fact sheet with quick reference and resource sections. This multi-use fact sheet can be used to support state strategic planning, programmatic planning, and implementation (state, county, community-level), health equity and disease burden report revisions as well as community-engagement, partnership development and communications efforts from a low socioeconomic status (SES) perspective.
Other fact sheets produced by SMHN can be found here.
Truth Initiative: E-Cigarette use among young people returning to pre-Covid-19 levels
Following a decline in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 15- to 20-year-olds are as likely to be using e-cigarettes as those surveyed before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new Truth Initiative® research published in PLOS One.
The study also found that young adults ages 21 to 24 are more likely to be e-cigarette users compared to the same age group surveyed before the pandemic. The re-emergence of e-cigarette use among young people as COVID-19 restrictions fade away calls for stronger policies, including restrictions on youth-appealing flavored tobacco products and expanding quitting and prevention resources.
Tobacco Free Nebraska is hosting another series of Quitine webinars. This series of trainings will focus specifically on the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline’s services, assisting tobacco users with mental illness and substance use disorders, and integrating tobacco cessation treatment into behavioral health treatment plans.
While training would be helpful for anyone who wants to learn more about the Quitline, this training would be beneficial for professionals and healthcare providers working in Behavioral Health settings.
See the event flyer for more details.
- May 11, 2023; 12:00-12:45 PM CT
- June 1, 2023; 12:00-12:45 PM CT
- June 22, 2023; 12:00-12:45 PM CT
Email kyla.scott@nebraska.gov to register
NEWS: Altria Exchanges Minority Stake in JUUL Labs for Heated Tobacco Intellectual Property Rights
Altria Group, Inc. announces that it has exchanged its entire minority economic investment in JUUL Labs, Inc. (JUUL) for a non-exclusive, irrevocable global license to certain of JUUL’s heated tobacco intellectual property (Agreement).
“We believe exchanging our JUUL ownership for intellectual property rights is the appropriate path forward for our business,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s Chief Executive Officer. “JUUL faces significant regulatory and legal challenges and uncertainties, many of which could exist for many years. We are continuing to explore all options for how we can best compete in the e-vapor category.”
Free Resource Available through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline Order Form
This resource provides the option to preview, order, download and print free and updated promotional resources such as brochures, window clings, magnets, information sheets and more with information about the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline. Most materials are available in both Spanish and English. Please order or use these free materials as needed.
May Health Awareness Observances
- Arthritis Awareness Month
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
- Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
- Clean Air Month and Air Quality Awareness Week, first full week of May
- Graduation Season
- Healthy Vision Month
- High Blood Pressure Education Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month and National Prevention Week, May 7-13, 2023
- National Nurse’s Week, May 6-12, 2023
- National Pet Week, May 7-13, 2023
- National Alcohol- and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Awareness Week, May 14-20, 2023
- National Women’s Health Week and Women’s Lung Health Week, May 14-20, 2023
- Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023
- No Menthol Sunday, May 21, 2023
- Memorial Day, May 29, 2023
- World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2023
- National Smile Day, May 31, 2023
Rebecca M.’s Story
Rebecca, age 57, started smoking menthol cigarettes when she was 16 years old. All of her family members smoked, and once she started smoking, she was hooked. Rebecca kept smoking menthol cigarettes into adulthood and tried to stop but soon discovered she had trouble quitting.
At age 33, Rebecca was diagnosed with depression. She smoked frequently when she felt depressed because she thought smoking might help her cope with her feelings. Rebecca felt ashamed when she smoked, so when she tried to quit and couldn’t, she felt even more depressed. “That was just a vicious, vicious cycle,” she said. To break the cycle, Rebecca knew she had to get care for her depression and quit smoking for good.
Rebecca also lost some teeth as a result of gum disease, which can be caused by smoking. This further strengthened her resolve to lead a healthy lifestyle. Rebecca finally quit smoking, and she feels better—both mentally and physically. Rebecca is proud of her accomplishment. “It’s about taking control and knowing where you want to be in your life.”
Nebraska Tobacco Quitline Adds Continuing Education Opportunity for Healthcare Providers
Accredited courses are available online, through the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, for providers looking to receive CME, CNE, or CPE credits.
Every year providers in Nebraska support their patients quitting tobacco by referring them to the Quitline. The courses offered help providers discuss how cessation can increase quit success and reduce the risks associated with tobacco use, including vaping.
Several courses are offered and cover a variety of topics, such as, Tobacco Use Disparities for People with Behavioral Health Conditions, Myths About Quitting, Vaping and E-Cigarette Devices, and more. Additionally, providers can refer patients using the new online web referral option or the updated fax referral form. Go online to access tools, resources, and education modules, plus the web and fax referrals for providers ready to help patients quit, at QuitNow.ne.gov/providers.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit QuitNow.ne.gov to reach a trained quit coach, get access to free quit-smoking medication, and make a plan to quit tobacco for good.