Read articles from United States of America

February 06, 2025 by washingtontimes.com

The newly inaugurated administration brings a crucial opportunity to combat chronic diseases, which claim hundreds of thousands of American lives annually, and one leading preventable cause of death – smoking – could be eradicated under the new administration. This could easily be achieved simply by following through with plans to reform the beleaguered U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make it easier for smokers to quit by making the switch to less harmful products.

January 28, 2025 by dcjournal.com

The Biden administration’s last-minute proposal to drastically reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes was seen by many as a political move rather than a serious public health effort. However, experts like Jed Rose, head of the Rose Research Center, highlight the need for scientific progress and better public education to address smoking addiction effectively. Rose emphasizes that smoking isn’t just about nicotine—it’s also tied to sensory cues that create satisfaction. His decades of research, which began unexpectedly during his studies on anxiety, underscore the complexity of smoking behavior and the importance of targeted cessation strategies.

January 27, 2025 by politico.com

America faces a significant teenage vaping problem, with 1.63 million middle and high schoolers reporting usage. Popular disposable vapes, often brightly colored and flavored like candy or fruit, are designed to attract kids, despite packing dangerous nicotine levels equivalent to 590 cigarettes. These flavored vapes are technically illegal, but state laws, like Oklahoma's 2021 legislation, have been ineffective due to loopholes. Oklahoma’s law intended to limit sales to FDA-authorized or pre-2016 vapes but failed in enforcement, allowing unauthorized products to remain widely available. This highlights the challenges in regulating youth vaping.

January 23, 2025 by youtube.com

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, we dive into the implications of the United States withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and what it means for vaping and tobacco harm reduction.

January 17, 2025 by bbc.com

The US FDA has officially authorized Zyn nicotine pouches, made by Phillip Morris, for sale in the US to help quit smoking. These pouches, offering 10 flavors, are placed between the gum and lips to release nicotine. Unlike tobacco, nicotine pouches have gained popularity without evidence of widespread teen use. While the FDA's approval does not signify safety, it acknowledges the harm reduction compared to other nicotine products. The agency emphasizes that no tobacco product is safe and discourages youth and non-users from starting. Additionally, the FDA has proposed a rule to limit nicotine levels in cigarettes, cigars, and rolling tobacco.

January 16, 2025 by nbcnews.com

The FDA proposed drastically lowering nicotine levels in cigarettes sold in the U.S. to reduce addiction and health risks. The plan aims for a 95% reduction, potentially preventing 48 million youth from becoming addicted and prompting 13 million current smokers to quit within a year. The proposal does not include e-cigarettes or other products, but public health officials support further reductions to non-addictive levels in all tobacco products. The rule, open for public input until mid-September, could be implemented in the next four years, promoting a shift towards safer, non-combustible products for nicotine consumption.

January 16, 2025 by thealbertan.com

Federal officials proposed capping nicotine levels in cigarettes to reduce addiction, potentially helping millions quit smoking and preventing new smokers. Despite strong support and health benefits, the plan may face delays and legal challenges from tobacco companies. The FDA's slow progress is due to anticipated industry lawsuits. The regulation aims to cut smoking-related deaths and chronic diseases, complementing efforts to combat tobacco use. While the plan excludes some tobacco products, like e-cigarettes, concerns about illegal markets have been raised. The proposal, subject to public feedback, could take years to implement. The FDA's push to limit nicotine aligns with declining smoking rates and prior initiatives to reduce nicotine content in cigarettes.

January 15, 2025 by cbsnews.com

The U.S. may soon mandate graphic warnings on cigarette packages, following a ruling upholding the FDA's requirement. Despite challenges from the tobacco and vaping industries, public health officials aim to deter smoking initiation and reduce health risks, including bladder cancer. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers support the warnings' efficacy in preventing smoking uptake, emphasizing that no tobacco or vaping product is safe. While progress is noted in educating the public about health risks, concerns remain about the marketing of nicotine products to young people. Overall, efforts towards tobacco control and public education are progressing positively.

January 15, 2025 by alaskabeacon.com

Two bills, previously unsuccessful, return in this session in Alaska. House Bill 37 proposes cancer warning signs in alcohol-selling places, promoted by Rep. Andrew Gray. Senate Bill 24 by Senate President Gary Stevens seeks a tax on vapes, raising the purchase age to 21. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlights the alcohol-cancer link. In 2022, Gov. Dunleavy vetoed a bill passing after session end. The state's fight against smoking shifts to vaping, based on youth surveys. Stevens revamped the initial vape bill after a veto but rejected it due to late marijuana-related amendments. Youth vape usage dropped from 26% to 17.3% from 2019 to 2023.

January 14, 2025 by reason.com

The FDA has been reluctant to approve non-tobacco-flavored vaping products, potentially hindering smoking reduction efforts. A study in Addictive Behaviors showed that participants using non-tobacco flavors had higher e-cigarette uptake and reduced cigarette smoking compared to tobacco flavor users. Despite evidence supporting the benefits of alternative flavors, the FDA continues to deny marketing applications for such products without clear justification. The study suggests that non-tobacco flavors may be more effective in helping adults quit smoking than tobacco flavors. This highlights the FDA's narrow approach to vaping products, potentially impeding public health efforts to reduce smoking.