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October 29, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Switching to vaping or quitting smoking altogether reduces fatal cardiac events in heart disease patients, a South Korean study reveals. Published in the European Heart Journal, the research emphasizes the benefits of e-cigarettes in reducing Major Adverse Coronary Events (MACE). Of the patients studied, those who switched to vaping or quit smoking had lower MACE rates compared to smokers. Success rates varied with only 40.7% quitting smoking after treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). The study concludes that vaping is a viable alternative for patients struggling to quit smoking post-treatment. The findings challenge misconceptions about nicotine's impact on heart health and suggest considering vaping as a cessation aid for smokers unable to quit completely.

October 29, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Taiwan is alarmed by the rise of "zombie vapes" containing etomidate, a dangerous substance inducing anesthesia. Taiwaneses authorities have seized a significant number of cartridges. The abuse of etomidate can lead to severe consequences, and there is a proposal to upgrade its classification. E-cigarette use among students is increasing, prompting Taiwan to ban vapes in 2023.

October 25, 2024 by tbsnews.net

A new ordinance in Bangladesh aims to ban e-cigarettes, vapes, loose cigarettes, bidis, and chewing tobacco. Shopkeepers need licenses to sell tobacco products, with fines up to Tk50,000 for violations. Smoking is prohibited within 100 meters of certain areas. The draft law also includes stricter regulations on tobacco advertising and use in public spaces. Anti-tobacco organizations support the law to decrease tobacco-related deaths, but tobacco companies oppose it, calling some clauses unrealistic. Penalties for violations include fines and imprisonment, with stricter rules on tobacco product packaging and sale locations. The draft ordinance aims to improve public health by controlling tobacco and tobacco products effectively.

October 24, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The Malaysian Society for Harm Reduction (MSHR) held a conference on tobacco harm reduction in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing the need for tailored policies and collaboration to reduce smoking rates. Experts endorsed reduced-risk products and highlighted New Zealand's success in lowering smoking rates. The conference addressed concerns about youth access to nicotine products and called for evidence-based regulations. MSHR and the Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates urged policymakers to implement harm reduction strategies and educate the public on the benefits of such approaches. Collaboration with governments and stakeholders was emphasized to improve public health outcomes in the region.

October 24, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

A draft ordinance in Bangladesh proposes licensing for shops selling nicotine products, imposing fines up to Tk50,000 and prohibiting sales near certain places. Another fine of Tk5,000 targets vape and loose cigarette sellers, with smoking in public fines potentially increasing to Tk1,000. The ordinance, aiming to control smoking and tobacco use, includes restrictions on product ingredients and seller types. Offenders may face fines and imprisonment, with penalties escalating for repeated violations. Originally enacted in 2005, the law is undergoing revisions to bolster tobacco regulations, with a new draft being presented to the Advisory Council for approval.

October 23, 2024 by tuoitrenews.vn

The Vietnamese government proposed increasing cigarette excise tax to combat high smoking rates, with a focus on public health. Proposed options include raising the tax gradually up to VND10,000 per pack by 2030. Various organizations support the tax hike to reduce smoking-related health issues. Concerns were also raised about vaping's rising popularity, leading to potential bans on e-cigarettes in line with other Southeast Asian countries. Measures to address tobacco and vape use aim to align with global health guidelines and reduce tax evasion from smuggling. Strategies include public awareness campaigns and stricter controls on tobacco products.

October 16, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The Maldives will ban e-cigarettes and related products, with all import, use, possession, and sale becoming illegal by December 15, 2024. President Mohamed Muizzu announced the upcoming legislation changes, following requests from concerned groups. Lawmakers will receive proposed amendments this week. The decision aligns the Maldives with over 50 countries globally that ban vapes, with local businesses having imported vapes worth MVR124.34 million between 2018 and July 2022.

October 15, 2024 by thesun.my

The Maldives has announced a ban on e-cigarettes to address nicotine addiction and protect public health. President Mohamed Muizzu stated that from November 15, the country will ban the import of vaporizer devices and related accessories. From December 15, the ban will extend to the possession, use, sale, and promotion of these devices. Many Maldivians expressed support for the ban on social media, calling it a positive step for public health, with some advocating for a broader ban on tobacco products.

October 08, 2024 by bangkokpost.com

The Public Health Ministry aims to rehabilitate 20,000 young vape users to combat the widespread use of e-cigarettes among teenagers. Minister Somsak Thepsutin's plan includes hospital screenings to bring smokers into the rehabilitation system. Concerns raised by Senator Premsak Piayura highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, with statistics showing a significant rise in underage vaping. The ministry's framework focuses on monitoring, law enforcement, and awareness campaigns to tackle the problem effectively. Additionally, a joint committee has been formed to enforce regulations, resulting in the seizure of over 60,000 vaping products.

September 26, 2024 by nst.com.my

The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the government to firmly reject a memorandum from five associations, urging amendments to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) in favour of the vape industry. The five associations represented over 2,000 vape traders. CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said while the vape industry claimed to be a significant revenue generator, this assertion paled in comparison to the enormous medical costs shouldered by taxpayers.