Flavored Vapes

Vapes aerosolize chemicals that can negatively affect lung and heart function.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly known as vapes, use a battery to heat liquid to a high temperature (Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2024). This creates an aerosol, or a fine mist of particles, that is inhaled (Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2024a, Ahmed et al. 2021). Vapes can be disposable (one-use) or reusable with replaceable cartridges or refillable tanks. The liquid in vapes typically contains propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. While these are safe to eat, research indicates that inhaling them cause the lining of blood vessels to malfunction, limiting their ability to expand and contract (Kaur et al. 2025). As the liquid heats on a metal coil, tiny pieces of nickel or lead can flake off and enter the mist. Inhaling these metals is linked to lung irritation and damage (Ghuman et al. 2024).

Most vapes contain nicotine. Nicotine can impact areas of the brain that control learning, memory, and attention span, particularly in adolescents and young adults (ages 10 to 24) (Chadi et al. 2019, Meernik et al. 2019). Companies often add fruit or candy flavors which can mask the harsh taste of nicotine (CDC 2024). While these flavors are approved for use in food, inhaling them has been linked to lung damage (Effah et al. 2022). Research shows these sweet flavors increase the appeal of vapes to young people, and 81% of youth ages 18 - 24 who have ever used a tobacco product started with a flavored one (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 2016). Youth who use vapes are over three times more likely to start smoking cigarettes compared to those who have never vaped (Chadi et al. 2019). Adolescents 12 to 17 years who use vapes are over four times more likely to use marijuana than their non-vaping peers (Soneji et al. 2017).

The federal government sets rules for how vapes are made and sold.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all tobacco products, including vapes (Spinola et al. 2025, Deeming Rule FDA 2016, Tobacco Control Act 2009). To sell these products, companies must submit an application to the FDA showing the product is not a major risk to public health, provide a full list of ingredients, and include a clear warning on packaging that nicotine is addictive (Ghuman et al. 2024, Meernik et al. 2019). They are also prohibited from claiming that vapes are safer than cigarettes or giving out free (Deeming Rule FDA 2016).

In January 2020, the FDA prioritized enforcement against unauthorized flavored, cartridge-based vapes (FDA 2020). These products were the most popular among youth due to their ease of use, concealable design, and sweet flavors. In 2019, the federal minimum age to buy any tobacco product, including vapes, increased from 18 to 21 years old (FDA 2024b). Beginning September 30, 2024, stores must check photo ID for anyone under the age of 30 trying to buy tobacco or vapes. Vending machine vape sales in any building where people under 21 are allowed are also banned.

State and local governments can set stricter standards.

State and local governments may pass stricter rules on the price and location of vape sales (Figure 1) (TCA 2019). MO defines vapes as "vapor products" rather than tobacco products. Because of this, vapes are not subject to cigarette and tobacco excise taxes in MO, as they are in 35 other states (Public Health Law Center 2025c). Seven states (CA, MA, ME, NJ, NY, RI, and UT) have state-wide bans on the sale of flavored vapes. These bans are associated with reduced vaping by adolescents and young adults (Lin et al. 2026).

In MO, vaping is prohibited inside public schools, on school buses, and in certain areas of state government buildings (1 CSR 35-1.050 § 5(A)12, RSMo 191.775) Thirty states ban vaping in all indoor workplaces and restaurants, but MO does not (CDC 2024b). MO is one of 41 states that require businesses to have a permit to sell vapes, and one of 33 states that require child-resistant caps on nicotine containers to prevent accidental poisoning (RSMo 407.926, Public Health Law Center 2025a, ).

Cities and counties can also pass their own rules. (O’Connell & Kephart 2022). In MO, 18 municipalities have passed local ordinances that prohibit vaping in the same public spaces where smoking is already banned: Belton, Branson, Branson West, Clinton, Columbia, Creve Coeur, Farmington, Higginsville, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Monett, Nevada, Plattsburg, St. Joseph, St. Louis, Warrensburg, Washington, and West Plains.

Figure 1. Vape regulation MO. The three levels of government regulations of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) also known as vapes or vapor products.

References

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