Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro Jan. 9, 2025
Harry’s blog 126: Tobacco harm reduction and ‘Podsnappery’
Mr Podsnap is a minor character in Charles Dickens’ novel Our Mutual Friend. Mr Podsnap was “well to do, and stood very high in Mr. Podsnap's opinion”. He was noted for his ignorant and wanton dismissal of anything he disagreed with – “I don’t want to know about it; I don’t choose to discuss it; I don’t admit it … I have also said that if [such things] do occur (not that I admit it), the fault lies with the sufferers themselves”.
January 22, 2025 by whyy.org
FDA regulation of nicotine pouches can help prevent youth use, say Rutgers researchers
Nicotine pouches, like the Zyn brand, are gaining traction in the U.S. market as a smokeless alternative to traditional tobacco products. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Zyn as a less harmful option compared to cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco products. While researchers see potential for harm reduction among smokers, they emphasize the need for stricter marketing oversight to prevent youth usage. Currently, nicotine pouch use among teens is low, with fewer than 2% of middle and high school students reporting use in the past year, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey.
January 22, 2025 by daily-pouch.com
The Strange Rise of Apps That “Help” People Stop Using Nicotine
Startups need product-market fit, solving real problems. Anti-nicotine apps like Jones, despite good marketing, face challenges. They focus on quitting vaping and pouches, which cater to a small market. Investors' $5 million bet on Jones may struggle due to the shrinking vaping trend. Critically, these apps may not address significant issues, unlike stop smoking apps. While hoping for their success, the effectiveness and ethical concerns of anti-nicotine apps remain questionable, as they target a less urgent problem compared to smoking cessation.
January 22, 2025 by asianews.network
Bangladesh government to send letter to WHO today requesting removal of Hasina daughter
The ACC plans to request the removal of Saima Wazed Putul from her role as WHO Southeast Asia Region director due to alleged corruption and criminal activities, including fabricated credentials, illegal acquisitions, and financial misconduct. The letter sent through government channels accuses Putul of misusing state resources, extorting funds, and harming Bangladesh's reputation. The ACC filed a case against her and highlighted misappropriation of public funds. ACC's director general emphasized ongoing independent investigations. Putul's continued position at WHO is deemed inappropriate given the corruption allegations.
16.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 20.4 million current smokers in Bangladesh 34.10% of men are current smokers but only 0.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 22, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #131 | TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION IN MALAWI Pt.2 | Featuring Sahan Lungu
In the second part of our series looking at Malawi's complicated relationship with tobacco production and smoking, Sahan Lungu joins us to explore whether a holistic approach to tobacco production and smoking could help Malawi minimise the harms related to combustible tobacco use.
January 15, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #129 | MALAWI'S TOBACCO CONTROL DILEMMA Pt.1 | Featuring Sahan Lungu
Despite tobacco control efforts to phase out tobacco consumption around the world, a thorny issue r…
6.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 705,688 current smokers in Malawi 12.20% of men are current smokers but only 0.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 22, 2025 by healthydebate.ca
In praise of ‘dual users’
Dual users, individuals who smoke cigarettes and vape, are a sizable overlooked group in Canada. Research shows significant health risks if they stop vaping and return to smoking. Strategies such as reducing cigarette consumption and transitioning fully to vaping can lower health risks. Encouragement, lower costs, and improved accessibility for vaping products are crucial. Treating dual users like transitioning drivers or eaters acknowledges progress towards quitting smoking entirely. Supporting them is essential for reducing tobacco-related harm and promoting healthier choices.
11.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.6 million current smokers in Canada 13.70% of men are current smokers but only 9.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 22, 2025 by medicalxpress.com
Study reveals diverse perceptions of vaping dangers among students
To understand factors that led to the escalation, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studied how college students perceived the health risks of e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes. The results showed the perception of the potential harm of e-cigarettes varied based on factors like sex, vaping status, and field of study/work. "We found that non-users and females were less likely to believe that e-cigarettes were less harmful than traditional cigarettes," said M.J. Ruzmyn Vilcassim, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UAB School of Public Health and lead author. "Conversely, male vapers and users of pod-type devices were more likely to view the devices as less harmful."
January 22, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
No Vape Ban in Luxembourg – Tobacco Reporter
Luxembourg is not following neighboring countries and the European Commission in banning vapor devices. The Ministry of Health is monitoring foreign measures to evaluate potential actions. While acknowledging the health risks of high nicotine doses in vape products, the Ministry believes a ban limited to disposable vapes would not be effective. They advocate for a comprehensive approach covering all electronic cigarettes. The Ministry notes the popularity of tobacco tourism due to lower taxes in Luxembourg. A proposed 2023 bill focuses on regulating tobacco products, including flavored vape restrictions and nicotine limits, but excludes disposable e-cigarettes.
January 21, 2025 by luxtimes.lu
Luxembourg is not considering vape ban
Disposable e-cigarettes, banned in Belgium, face a possible ban in France due to health concerns li…
19.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 102,712 current smokers in Luxembourg.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Bangladesh bans vapes – and cigarette production increases
Bangladesh has enforced a ban on vapes and nicotine pouch imports to prioritize public health, despite protests from vape trade groups. British American Tobacco plans to expand production in the country, aiming to meet growing cigarette demand. The ban has sparked concerns about depriving adult smokers of safer options and its economic impact. Notably, harm reduction strategies involving low-risk tobacco products have proven successful in reducing smoking rates in other countries like Sweden and New Zealand. The ban aligns with the government's efforts to combat high tobacco consumption rates, particularly among men in Bangladesh.
16.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 20.4 million current smokers in Bangladesh 34.10% of men are current smokers but only 0.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 21, 2025 by thefirebreak.org
Should America be Leaving the WHO?
In 2018, discussions were held on reforming the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) within the WHO. Suggestions to stay in and reform IARC were made based on concerns regarding activist influences and collaborations with US tort lawyers. The US government intervened in IARC decisions, delaying publications and influencing reports. Despite criticisms of the WHO and its political agenda, leaving the organization may lead to limited influence in global health decisions, especially in combating industry relations. The decision to exit the WHO, made by the US in 2020, may result in diminished influence over global health policies and WHO's strategies, including denormalizing industry relations.
January 21, 2025 by canada.ca
Statement from the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health on Nicotine Vaping in Canada as part of National Non-Smoking Week
The Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health addresses the risk of smoking in Canada during National Non-Smoking Week, emphasizing nicotine addiction and vaping's dangers, especially among youth. Recommendations include regulating vaping products like tobacco, restricting marketing, and enhancing enforcement. They propose national consistency in banning flavored products, setting age 21 for sales, and monitoring nicotine vaping's health impacts. Federal and provincial actions should align to maximize youth protection. Awareness campaigns and research on vaping effects are essential, alongside collaboration with Indigenous communities. The Council urges stringent regulations, cessation support, and education to combat nicotine vaping's public health threat.
11.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.6 million current smokers in Canada 13.70% of men are current smokers but only 9.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
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