ROCHESTER, NY | April 1, 2026
Communities across the country will mark National Take Down Tobacco Day, next Wednesday, April 1, a youth led day of action that calls attention to the tobacco industry’s continued targeting of young people through flavored e-cigarettes and emerging “smart vape” devices.
Although youth tobacco use has declined over time, 17% of New York State high school students still use a tobacco product, including nicotine containing e-cigarettes, according to the 2024 New York Youth Tobacco Survey. E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among youth.
“Youth addiction to nicotine is no accident,” said Lindsey Kahya, Reality Check Coordinator, Smoking and Health Action Coalition of Livingston and Monroe Counties, "Youth-friendly flavors that mimic candy and desserts, and now devices with built in games and screens, are designed to hook young people early and keep them using.”
Newer products often referred to as “smart vapes” integrate digital entertainment, including touch screens and games that activate only while the device is in use. These products are not approved by the FDA and are sold illegally in the U.S. yet remain widely accessible to youth.
“It’s well documented that nicotine harms the developing adolescent brain,” said Hannah Lee, MPH, Director of SHAC. “In addition to addiction, e-cigarette aerosol exposes users to toxic chemicals and heavy metals, with long-term consequences we are still uncovering.”
Health Impacts: The harmful ingredients in these products can negatively impact health in a multitude of ways:
- E‑liquids contain acrolein, an herbicide primarily used to kill weeds, which can cause irreversible lung damage.
- E-cigarettes can cause chemical burns, scarring, inflammation, and acute respiratory illness, including EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury).
- Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical delivered in high concentrations in e-cigarettes. According to research at UC San Francisco, popular modern vape cartridges can contain the nicotine equivalent of three cartons—or 600 cigarettes. According to research at UC San Francisco, popular modern vape cartridges can contain the nicotine equivalent of three cartons—or 600 cigarettes.
- E-cigarette use can lead to difficulty learning. When inhaled, nicotine rapidly enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, creating a cycle of dependence that is especially difficult to break for young people whose brains are still developing. Early exposure can affect attention control, learning, mood, and impulse control, and over time may lead to cognitive deficits, impaired academic performance, and increased susceptibility to addiction, anxiety, and depression.
- Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate. Daily e-cigarette use increases the risk of heart attack, according to a 2018 Harvard Medical School study. Over time, nicotine use can harden arteries and contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Quitting e-cigarettes is one of the best steps a person can take for their health.
National Take Down Tobacco Day, organized by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, was launched in 1996 as Kick Butts Day and continues to elevate youth voices demanding accountability from the tobacco industry.
Reality Check Youth at West Irondequoit High School will be sharing tobacco industry facts about their deceptive marketing tactics with their peers during the morning announcements the week of Take Down Tobacco Day.
Community members interested in youth advocacy and tobacco-free initiatives can learn more at smokingandhealth.org
About SHAC:
SHAC, a program of the American Lung Association, is a network of local agencies and individuals working together to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use and to promote healthy communities. SHAC serves Livingston and Monroe counties in New York State. SHAC is funded by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Control. To learn more visit: smokingandhealth.org.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
