The American Heart Association plans to launch a $20 million research initiative focused on studying the effects of youth vaping.
The End the Lies Youth Vaping and Nicotine Research Initiative will fund studies on youth vaping for two years. Each project will receive $7 million to $10 million.
The American Heart Association has identified several priority research areas to support the development of strategies and policies to curb youth vaping. As of Nov. 13, there had been about 2,172 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated with lung injury reported to the CDC.
There have been 42 deaths as a result of the lung injury confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
Priority research areas include the role and influence of device type and flavors on addiction and how to reverse nicotine addiction in youth using health technology solutions.
Researchers can apply for the funding through Jan. 14. The grant winners will be announced next spring.
The American Heart Association also is launching a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the falsehoods that vaping companies spread about the safety of their products. The association will also set up a fund to further public policy proposals on preventing youth vaping and nicotine addiction.