Latino Middle Schoolers Outpace Other U.S. Demographics in E-Cigarette Use

"The introduction of e-cigarettes to the market has led to a sharp increase in tobacco use among Hispanic youth" (Credit: Freepik)

Young Latinos are experiencing an "alarming increase" in nicotine addiction due to the consumption of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health warned on Monday.

In a report titled "State and Local Policies to Reduce Flavored Tobacco Use: Reversing the Tobacco Tipping Point Among Hispanic Youth," the organization highlights that 6.6% of Hispanic students among 11-14-year-olds are currently using e-cigarettes, compared with the 4.6% rate among other racial and ethnic groups.