Nicotine Science and Policy

EMERITUS PROFESSOR SIMON CHAPMAN AND COLLEAGUES are predicting that illegal vapes will virtually disappear in Australia because the Chinese government requires “all exporters to obey the laws of the countries to which they are exporting”. A Chinese government report showed that the number of vapes leaving China for Australia fell by 93% in the first 2 months of 2024 after the disposable ban was introduced. According to Chapman, this is the ‘smoking gun’, and its “All over, red rover”. Seriously? There is so much wrong with this prediction.

New research shows 8 out of 10 young Australians who regularly use nicotine vapes are buying them from bricks and mortar shops.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf faced tough questions from the House Oversight Committee, addressing FDA's actions on various products. The session highlighted delays in recognizing tobacco harm reduction and the FDA's push for more user fees on tobacco. Califf hesitated to fully endorse e-cigarettes for harm reduction, despite acknowledging their reduced toxicity. The FDA's inconsistent stance on risk continuum and authorization of few e-cigarette products are concerning. Repetitive rejection of vapor product applications raises questions about prioritizing youth over adult smokers. Congressional intervention may be needed to align FDA actions with reducing tobacco-related harm effectively.

Professor O'Shea from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland warns that vaping exposes users to toxic compounds, leading to future cancers and cardiovascular issues. New research shows flavored vapes contain harmful chemicals, with fruit and candy flavors being particularly risky. Restrictions on flavors are urged, especially for the youth. Heating vape liquids creates numerous potentially hazardous compounds. Differences in vape devices make it challenging to assess risks accurately. Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking according to the HSE. Research using artificial intelligence highlights dangers in vaping. Long-term exposure to vapes may result in severe health consequences in the future, with specific attention needed for young non-smokers.

Health officials in the UK recommend providing nicotine patches to children dependent on vaping for smoking cessation, emphasizing support over punishment. Public Health Wales calls for discreet use of nicotine replacement therapies in schools, highlighting the growing issue of adolescent nicotine dependency. The controversy surrounds whether NRT should be offered to youth given the contrasting views on vaping's role in harm reduction and smoking prevention. Experts differ on the effectiveness of NRT for young vapers, with concerns raised about potential unintended consequences of widespread adoption. The call for NRT usage among adolescents challenges traditional tobacco control approaches, signaling a shift towards harm reduction strategies.

Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that using cannabis and nicotine together during pregnancy increases risks for poor newborn outcomes. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed infants faced higher chances of small gestational size, preterm delivery, and death. Data from over 3 million pregnant patients showed a fourfold increase in infant death risk for users of both substances compared to non-users. Health care providers are urged to counsel patients on quitting either substance to reduce risks. The research aims to inform clinical recommendations and interventions for healthier pregnancies amid ongoing investigations on combined substance usage effects.