July 18, 2025
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) strongly opposes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to authorize the marketing of five Juul e-cigarette products, including the Juul device. This decision is deeply troubling and represents a step backward in efforts to protect young people from the harms of nicotine addiction and to reduce the burden of preventable respiratory disease.
Respiratory therapists are dedicated to treating patients with chronic respiratory diseases, many of which are directly linked to tobacco and nicotine use. Respiratory therapists see firsthand the long-term consequences of addiction that often begin in adolescence. The decision to allow these products on the market contradicts the FDA’s mission to protect public health and will make it harder for families and health professionals to reverse course on youth vaping.
Juul’s central role in fueling the youth vaping epidemic is well-documented. High school e-cigarette use skyrocketed largely due to the popularity and aggressive marketing of Juul products. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, Juul remains one of the top five most popular brands among youth, signaling a sustained appeal that endangers adolescent health and undermines public health goals.
Especially concerning is the FDA’s decision to authorize menthol-flavored Juul pods. The FDA itself has acknowledged that menthol flavoring increases youth appeal, enhances nicotine’s addictive potential, and has been historically manipulated by tobacco companies to lure new users. By approving menthol-flavored Juul products, the FDA disregards its own prior findings.
We urge the FDA to reconsider this decision and instead prioritize evidence-based measures that truly protect youth from e-cigarette addiction. That includes removing flavored nicotine products with known youth appeal and strengthening enforcement against companies that have contributed to this crisis.
The AARC stands with the public health and medical community in condemning this action and renewing our commitment to preventing a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.
