Nicotine Science and Policy

Australia has taken a hardline approach to vaping leaving smokers wanting to quit with few legal routes to access safer nicotine products. In today's episode leading Australian THR advocate Colin Mendelsohn asks, have these restrictions actually achieved their intended goals? In his recent evidence to Australian Senators, Colin set out how a compassionate approach could be the key to improving Australia's vaping situation.

As the Federal Liberal Government marches inexorably toward a ban on flavors in nicotine vaping products, pushback is growing, and questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Health Minister Mark Holland are being raised. Joining us today to talk though the nationwide consumer effort to stop the flavour ban is vaping activist Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, founder of Rights 4 Vapers. Hear how you can help defend flavours and learn why Maria thinks Minister Holland is backing the ban.

Polish tobacco companies face rising costs and regulations but see relief with declining illicit markets. However, challenges persist as the EU's policies could impact Poland's tobacco industry competitiveness. Lukasz Szymanski, a market player, highlights the sector's struggles due to increases in operating costs. To stay afloat, businesses are exploring new markets like the Middle East. Concerns arise over the potential impact of the World Health Organization's Panama summit on the industry's future, with fears of increased unemployment. There is a call for protection against international interference to safeguard Polish tobacco businesses.

Canadians support the UK's progressive cigarette purchasing age increase and labeling laws. Over two-thirds agree with new warning labels, while 65% endorse raising the legal age to buy cigarettes annually starting from 2009 onwards. A survey shows willingness to adopt similar regulations in Canada, with majority support from voters of different political parties. Prevalence of tobacco, marijuana, and e-cigarette use varies by region and age group. Smokers generally approve of warning labels, but are divided on implementing UK-like laws. The survey, conducted online in April 2024, polled 1,002 Canadian adults with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.

Buffalo, New York, is considering banning the sale of menthol cigarettes, part of a broader national push supported by President Biden. Smoking cessation is challenging, with benefits of quitting outweighing the habit. There are debates on the government's stance on public health, with calls for a complete ban on cigarettes in New York State. Starting smoking with menthol products is common among youth, with potential long-term health impacts.

Joseph Magero shares his journey from smoking to vaping, advocating for safer alternatives for smokers. He founded Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) to educate and provide access to harm reduction tools in Africa. Despite proven benefits of vaping over smoking by global health bodies, Kenya's proposed graphic warnings on nicotine pouches and vapes ignore scientific evidence. CASA urges the Ministry of Health to reconsider these warnings to help smokers switch to safer alternatives. Drawing on Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through harm reduction, CASA emphasizes the importance of accurate risk communication for public health.

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.