Missouri has joined a bipartisan, multistate investigation into e-cigarette manufacturer Juul, according to a statement released Tuesday by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

The investigation is focused on Juul’s marketing and sales practices, including the targeting of youth.

Missouri is one of 39 states participating in the investigation

“Ensuring that Missourians, especially our kids and teenagers, are protected is an integral part of my job as attorney general,” Schmitt said in a news release from his office. “With this multistate investigation, we will be looking closely into JUUL’s marketing practices, specifically relating to younger consumers.

According to Schmitt’s office, traditional cigarette use has decreased among youth, but vaping is “skyrocketing, undermining national progress toward reducing tobacco use.”

A study conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019 found more than 5 million youth reported having used e-cigarettes within the previous 30 days, up from 3.6 million in 2018.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 high school students say they have used vaping products.

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