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”.
February 14, 2025 by dcjournal.com
Trump Could Pave the Way for a Future Without Smoking
Smoking kills half a million Americans each year, highlighting the need for bold, science-driven solutions. Quitting is an extremely difficult challenge for millions of smokers, often leading to severe health consequences. Instead of imposing bans and reinforcing misconceptions, the Trump administration has an opportunity to support innovation and a common-sense approach to reducing smoking-related harm. The nominations of Martin Makary for FDA commissioner and Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director suggest a shift in tobacco policy. Both are known for challenging rigid healthcare orthodoxy and have the potential to play a transformative role in shaping the future of public health in the U.S.
19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 52.1 million current smokers in United States 22.90% of men are current smokers but only 15.80% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
February 14, 2025 by france24.com
French parliament votes to ban disposable e-cigarettes
The French parliament voted to ban disposable e-cigarettes due to concerns about teen nicotine addiction and environmental impact. The bill passed in the Senate, making France the second EU country to implement such a ban after Belgium. Lawmakers emphasized the health risks and environmental harm associated with pre-filled e-cigarettes popular among youth. The legislation is part of broader government efforts to combat smoking, contributing to the EU's goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2040. The ban aims to protect adolescents from the negative effects of nicotine consumption and reduce the overall smoking population in the EU.
February 14, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com
France Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes
The French parliament has banned single-use electronic cigarettes due to concerns about youth addic…
February 14, 2025 by thenews.com.pk
French parliament votes to ban disposable e-cigarettes
France's parliament banned single-use e-cigarettes due to concerns about teenage tobacco addiction …
February 14, 2025 by entrevue.fr
Parliament definitively bans e-cigarettes "puffs"
France has officially banned disposable electronic cigarettes, or "puffs," to reduce ecological imp…
27.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 14.5 million current smokers in France.
SOURCE: GSTHR
February 14, 2025 by themalaysianreserve.com
South Korea to ban power banks in overhead bins on domestic flights
Starting March 1, South Korean airlines will ban passengers from storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead compartments, requiring them to be kept in seat or coat pockets with proper protection. This safety measure follows a recent fire incident on an Air Busan aircraft and aims to prevent battery-related fire risks.
February 13, 2025 by scmp.com
South Korea to ban in-flight power bank charging after plane fire
South Korea's transport ministry introduced new aviation safety measures after a fire on an Air Bus…
February 13, 2025 by koreatimes.co.kr
Korea tightens rules on carrying batteries on flight
Passengers flying on Korean-owned airlines are now required to store power banks in protective pouc…
17.70% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.9 million current smokers in South Korea 30.00% of men are current smokers but only 5.00% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
February 14, 2025 by filtermag.org
Most US Adults Who Quit Smoking Now Use Nicotine Products to Do So—Typically Vapes
A recent study in the United States showed that vapes are a popular choice for smoking cessation, with 40.8% of successful quitters using them. Data from 2022 indicated that 2.9 million adults had quit smoking, with vapes being a significant aid. The study highlights the importance of providing varied cessation methods to different demographic groups, emphasizing the need to support marginalized individuals. Despite FDA restrictions on vape products, increasing evidence supports their harm reduction potential. It is crucial to understand why individuals choose certain cessation methods and address misinformation surrounding vapes to improve quitting experiences and success rates.
February 14, 2025 by medicalxpress.com
Less-restrictive vaping laws linked to faster smoking decline
Two professionals' study in the Addiction journal compared smoking rates in Australia and New Zealand, finding faster declines in New Zealand. They attribute this to New Zealand's less restrictive vaping regulations. The research suggests that increasing access to nicotine vaping products could benefit public health and reduce smoking rates, especially among disadvantaged populations. The restrictive vaping model in Australia might lead to a thriving black market. The study recommends less strict regulations, such as licensed retail sales, age verification, and limited advertising, to balance reducing youth access and encouraging smokers to switch to vaping. Implementing a more permissive policy similar to New Zealand could help improve public health outcomes and curb the illicit vape market.
February 10, 2025 by wiley.com
Comparing regulatory models for nicotine vaping products in different countries can provide insight…
February 14, 2025 by nytimes.com
Opinion | Embracing Vaping Will Save Lives Lost from Smoking
29 million Americans still smoke, a decrease from 1964. The FDA proposed lowering nicotine in cigarettes to combat addiction. However, cutting nicotine levels could lead to illegal markets if alternatives are unsatisfying. The FDA restricts vapes, fearing they attract youth. Approving safer alternatives and educating the public is crucial. Anti-tobacco activists aim to eradicate nicotine addiction entirely, especially with the rise in teenage vaping. Concerns remain about vaping leading to smoking or hindering quitting. Actions must prioritize safer products, affordability, and public awareness that smoking, not nicotine, is the main killer.
February 13, 2025 by news-medical.net
Is vaping the gateway to smoking?
A systematic review finds weak evidence for e-cigarettes as a gateway to smoking in young people, emphasizing the need for more robust research for policy guidance. Despite the popularity of e-cigarettes since 2004, the link between vaping and subsequent smoking among individuals under 29 lacks strong evidence. Available studies were impacted by bias, with conflicting findings on the relationship between vaping and smoking initiation. Population-level data suggested higher vaping rates but lower subsequent smoking rates among young people. The study concludes that the evidence for vaping leading to smoking is uncertain, stressing the importance of further research for informed public health policies and regulations.
February 13, 2025 by nypost.com
The surprising way scientists say smokers can ease nicotine withdrawal
Research is exploring new options, such as the Parkinson’s drug procyclidine, to aid in smoking cessation by alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The drug restores dopamine levels affected by nicotine, reducing tremors and cravings. Smoking is linked to 8 million annual deaths worldwide, with low success rates in quitting due to intense cravings. Two FDA-approved medications, bupropion and varenicline, target tobacco cravings. Parkison’s patients also benefit from procyclidine, which restores dopamine balance. This potential treatment offers hope for improving smoking cessation success rates. Additional studies will investigate if procyclidine can complement existing therapies like Chantix for long-term quitting success.
February 12, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #135 | NEW ZEALAND'S SUCCESS STORY | This Is How New Zealand Outpaced Australia feat. Colin Mendelsohn
Why has New Zealand's smoking rate dropped so far below Australia's in recent years, and what can we subsequently learn from New Zealand's approach to safer nicotine products? In this episode of GFN News THR advocate Colin Mendelsohn highlights the striking difference in approach to vaping in New Zealand and Australia. Enjoy!
12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
February 12, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Vapers report better general health than smokers, new study finds
A study in Scotland comparing self-rated health between exclusive vapers and smokers found that vapers reported significantly better health. Even after adjusting for various factors, vapers were 1.26 times more likely to report higher health. Heavy smokers had the lowest self-rated health, while prior smoking did not affect vapers' health reports. The study, based on the Scottish Health Survey data, highlights the importance of considering subjective perceptions along with objective health measures. The findings support e-cigarette use as linked to better health outcomes compared to smoking.