A JUUL is a nicotine vapor delivery device that is popular with young adults and teenagers. The device looks like an average flash drive. JUUL operates by heating a “pod” of e-liquid containing nicotine, flavorings and other substances. When heated, the e-liquid creates an aerosol which is inhaled by the user. Because of the size, JUUL devices are discrete and can be easily concealed in a fist or a pocket, with the different flavors available and that there is no “smoke” it is easy use in classrooms, hallways and buses without drawing attention that it is a nicotine vapor delivery device.

JUUL is highly addictive. The concentration of nicotine in JUUL is more than double the concentration found in other e-cigarettes. In fact, the nicotine content is 0.7mL (or 59 mg/mL) per pod, which is approximately equivalent to one pack of cigarettes, or 200 puffs. This high concentration is a serious concern for youth, who are already uniquely susceptible to nicotine addiction and high levels of nicotine can harm the developing brain.

JUUL is currently trendy and cool. The nicotine had different flavors, making it attractive to teenagers. The FDA has outlawed flavors in cigarettes to decrease the attraction to youth but will not be addressing this issue in e-cigs for several years.

References:

AAP SECTION ON TOBACCO CONTROL 2018 handout.
Buzzfeed “Everything you need to know about the JUUL; Feb 2018.
NPR ” Teenagers Embrace JUUL, Saying It’s Discreet Enough To Vape In Class” Dec 2017