Read articles from Global

April 21, 2026 by jmir.org

A study analyzed heated tobacco product (HTP) user estimates globally from 2014 to 2024. Two estimation approaches revealed an estimated 48.9 million users in 2024, potentially reaching 78.7 million. The data primarily relied on company disclosures, with an alternative approach using standardised consumption assumptions. A survey-based estimate across 35 countries reported 21.8 million users. Although uncertainties exist due to conversion assumptions and definitional disparities, the findings illustrate consistent growth trends and highlight the need for standardized surveillance methods in tracking the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine consumption globally.

April 21, 2026 by jmir.org

A study analyzed heated tobacco product (HTP) user estimates globally from 2014 to 2024. Two estimation approaches revealed an estimated 48.9 million users in 2024, potentially reaching 78.7 million. The data primarily relied on company disclosures, with an alternative approach using standardised consumption assumptions. A survey-based estimate across 35 countries reported 21.8 million users. Although uncertainties exist due to conversion assumptions and definitional disparities, the findings illustrate consistent growth trends and highlight the need for standardized surveillance methods in tracking the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine consumption globally.

April 21, 2026 by jmir.org

A study analyzed heated tobacco product (HTP) user estimates globally from 2014 to 2024. Two estimation approaches revealed an estimated 48.9 million users in 2024, potentially reaching 78.7 million. The data primarily relied on company disclosures, with an alternative approach using standardised consumption assumptions. A survey-based estimate across 35 countries reported 21.8 million users. Although uncertainties exist due to conversion assumptions and definitional disparities, the findings illustrate consistent growth trends and highlight the need for standardized surveillance methods in tracking the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine consumption globally.

April 21, 2026 by jmir.org

A study analyzed heated tobacco product (HTP) user estimates globally from 2014 to 2024. Two estimation approaches revealed an estimated 48.9 million users in 2024, potentially reaching 78.7 million. The data primarily relied on company disclosures, with an alternative approach using standardised consumption assumptions. A survey-based estimate across 35 countries reported 21.8 million users. Although uncertainties exist due to conversion assumptions and definitional disparities, the findings illustrate consistent growth trends and highlight the need for standardized surveillance methods in tracking the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine consumption globally.

April 16, 2026 by oup.com

Smoking prevalence is disproportionately high among people experiencing homelessness, highlighting a significant public health concern. Despite this, existing interventions often fail to address the complex social and structural barriers faced by this group. Barriers such as limited literacy, poor access to support, and normalisation of smoking within services can reduce engagement with harm reduction strategies. At the same time, both service users and staff may show willingness to reduce harm, but lack adequate resources and consistent support systems. These challenges underline the need for tailored, accessible, and person-centered approaches to tobacco harm reduction in homelessness settings.

April 14, 2026 by gfn.tv

Questions are being raised about the lack of media attention on declining youth smoking rates in several countries. While cigarette use among young people has continued to fall, public discourse often focuses more heavily on the risks of newer nicotine products. Some experts argue that this imbalance may distort perceptions of overall public health progress. At the same time, the rise of alternative nicotine products has added complexity to how trends are interpreted. The discussion reflects broader concerns about how data on smoking and vaping is communicated to the public.

April 13, 2026 by 24shareupdates.com

Scientific discussions around vaping continue to focus on its potential role in reducing tobacco-related harm. Some reviews suggest that switching from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes may significantly lower exposure to harmful chemicals. Evidence indicates that vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, although not risk-free. Researchers also point to its possible effectiveness in helping smokers reduce or quit cigarette use. These findings contribute to an ongoing and often polarized debate about the place of vaping in public health policy.

April 13, 2026 by 24shareupdates.com

Scientific discussions around vaping continue to focus on its potential role in reducing tobacco-related harm. Some reviews suggest that switching from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes may significantly lower exposure to harmful chemicals. Evidence indicates that vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, although not risk-free. Researchers also point to its possible effectiveness in helping smokers reduce or quit cigarette use. These findings contribute to an ongoing and often polarized debate about the place of vaping in public health policy.

April 10, 2026 by thewellnews.com

Criticism is growing toward some public health organizations over their stance on vaping. Opponents argue that certain narratives may exaggerate risks while downplaying potential benefits. The term “merchants of doubt” is used to describe strategies that influence public perception through selective evidence. This perspective suggests that debates around vaping are shaped not only by science but also by communication tactics. The issue raises questions about transparency and trust in health policymaking.

April 07, 2026 by clivebates.com

Growing debate is emerging around the idea of a “tobacco endgame”, with some advocates calling for the complete elimination of the tobacco industry. However, this perspective is being challenged by arguments that such an approach is unrealistic and may even produce unintended consequences, including the expansion of illicit markets. The discussion suggests that efforts to suppress the industry through restrictive regulation can inadvertently reinforce the dominance of large incumbents or drive consumers towards illegal supply chains. Instead, a more pragmatic approach is proposed: aligning the incentives of tobacco companies with public health goals to accelerate the transition away from smoking towards lower-risk alternatives. At its core, the argument reframes the objective—not as eliminating the industry or nicotine altogether, but as achieving a rapid and sustained decline in smoking-related harm.