Largest E-Cigarette Manufacturer JUUL Receives FDA Warning

Used in adhesives, formaldehyde, along with lung disease-causing diacetyl and leukemia-associated carcinogen called benzene, are only a few compounds in electronic cigarettes. They also contain many metal particles.

E-cigarettes have unknown long-term effects and uncertain safety compared with cigarettes; studies so far indicate adverse health effects. They also have extremely dangerous addictive potential, particularly causing nicotine addiction among young people and children.

JUUL, the clear market leader, produces e-cigarettes attracting particular interest among young people. Their small USB flash drive -like form also makes them easier to bring into schools.

Notably, a warning dated 9 September from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) addressed this issue, asking JUUL to stop misleading advertisements and make various changes.

JUUL advertisements claimed lower tobacco-related disease risk, less harm than conventional tobacco and fewer harmful constituents. A JUUL representative also said during a school presentation:

• JUUL is much safer than a regular cigarette.
• The FDA will soon say JUUL is 99% safer than regular cigarettes.
• A student should tell friends about JUUL because it offers a safe alternative to smoking.

The brand’s CEO also responded to a parent’s complaint on its website about sales to children: "JUUL is a simple, convenient system with temperature regulation to heat nicotine liquid. Without exposing users to combustion and its associated harms in conventional smoking, our products provide the satisfaction they want."

Considering these statements, the FDA demanded scientific evidence that JUUL products pose less risk. Otherwise, these false advertisements would be stopped. FDA also asked why JUUL used nicotine salts to create a misconception, and why nicotine concentration was as high as 5%.

While awaiting the response to the FDA letter, required within 30 days, we would like to revisit nicotine salts:

What Is Nicotine Salt?

Nicotine salt is a new form enabling more effective nicotine delivery, meaning stronger and higher-level exposure. Nicotine salts contain certain hidden components, one being benzoic acid .

Figures show nicotine salt solutions contain 2 to 10 times the nicotine concentration of most e-cigarette products. JUUL’s website states 0.7 ml nicotine per pod [concentration, 59 mg per milliliter (5%)]—approximately equivalent to 20 regular cigarettes . Patents show combinations of salt-based nicotine and additives provide a satisfying experience even at high concentrations. This may particularly affect young people: high nicotine delivery without unpleasant taste or sensation encourages continued use. Nicotine is scientifically proven addictive, and high intake opens the door to dependence. JUUL’s 5% concentration increases danger. Findings that users aged 15 to 24 continue using it at an 80% rate support these concerns.