How to combat flavored tobacco products that addict our youth to nicotine

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Flavors in tobacco products increase the appeal of the products among youth and hasten their addiction to nicotine.

Did you know over 80% of youth who have ever used a tobacco product first started with flavored tobacco? Dr. Ramon Hernandez, an American Heart Association spokesperson says the removal of all flavors from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and hookah, is essential for reducing the appeal to the youth.

Furthermore, two-thirds of youth report using tobacco products because they come in appealing flavors like cotton candy, gummy bears, and mint.

Dr. Hernandez and American Cancer Society spokesperson Kay Coleman told us more about the youth’s growing addiction to nicotine from flavored tobacco on Good Morning San Diego.