Use and Product Characteristics of “Tobacco Free Nicotine” E-Cigarettes Among Young Adults.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study examining the use of tobacco-free nicotine (TFN) e-cigarettes among young adults. The study aimed to characterize the types of TFN e-cigarette products used by young adults and examine demographic characteristics and product use behaviors associated with TFN e-cigarette use. The study's key findings provide valuable insights into the use of TFN e-cigarettes among young adults, which can inform potential regulatory policies.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed a sample of young adults across the United States and included a TFN comprehension check to ensure all respondents were aware of what TFN was.
* The study found that young adults who used TFN e-cigarettes were more likely to report fruit, mint, menthol, and beverage flavors and know their e-liquid nicotine concentration compared with those who used non-TFN e-cigarettes.
* The study also found that more frequent e-cigarette use and use of nicotine pouches, which can also contain TFN, were associated with TFN e-cigarette use.
* The study suggests that regulations surrounding TFN products should take into consideration the extent to which the public understands what the label “tobacco-free nicotine” means.
* The study's strengths include its diverse sample and TFN comprehension check, while its limitations include its non-representative sample and the lack of assessment of the proportion of TFN e-cigarette users who were using both TFN e-cigarettes and non-TFN e-cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study provides important insights into the use of TFN e-cigarettes among young adults, a population with increasing e-cigarette use. As the FDA has recently gained regulatory authority over these products, understanding their impact is imperative. The study suggests that regulations surrounding TFN products should consider the public's understanding of the label "tobacco-free nicotine" and emphasizes the need for further research to identify the appeal and uptake of these products in young adults and other populations.

Davis DR, Bold KW, Camenga D, et al. Use and Product Characteristics of “Tobacco Free Nicotine” E-Cigarettes Among Young Adults. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2023;25(3):379-385. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntac188