Read articles from Europe

September 08, 2025 by thejournal.ie

A recent study in The Lancet reveals a rise in e-cigarette use among Irish people, particularly the youth, without a strong link to quitting smoking. Although some evidence suggests that e-cigarettes may assist in smoking cessation, concerns about health risks and a new generation getting hooked on nicotine are growing. The research calls for urgent action to curb vaping, especially among young people. Despite declining smoking rates in Ireland, the use of nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, has surged. The study, based on data from the Healthy Ireland survey, warns of a significant public health issue and emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on vaping.

September 04, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Dutch doctors have filed a complaint against Snapchat's parent company, Snap, for not preventing illegal vape sales to teenagers in the Netherlands. The complaint alleges that Snapchat violates the EU's Digital Services Act by allowing dealers to use the app for selling nicotine products. Despite promised safeguards, investigations show teenagers can still access vape dealers on the platform easily. Doctors argue that Snap's measures have failed, leading to a vape epidemic among young people. The doctors urge regulators to take stronger action to protect minors from online risks. Snapchat has responded by enhancing safeguards, but concerns persist about the platform's role in youth nicotine addiction.

September 03, 2025 by libertaddigital.com

The Spanish government is in conflict with Brussels again, this time over a Health Ministry bill pushed by the left-wing Sumar coalition. The proposal seeks to heavily restrict the vaping and nicotine pouch market by banning all e-cigarette flavors except tobacco and capping nicotine pouches at 0.99 mg, which would effectively remove them from the market. The plan has sparked strong criticism within the EU. Seven countries — Hungary, Italy, Romania, Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic and Croatia — along with the European Commission, have raised formal objections, arguing that Spain’s proposal violates the principle of free movement of goods, a cornerstone of the single market. Currently, 18 member states allow flavored vapes and 13 permit nicotine pouches.

September 02, 2025 by junonews.com

RFK Jr. has expressed false views like WIFI causing brain damage. Despite this, he is correct about the safety of nicotine pouches, supported by Health Canada. Canada's restrictions on pouch sales are deemed counterproductive and hypocritical compared to Sweden's successful use. Embracing pouches as a cessation tool, as seen in Sweden, could significantly reduce smoking rates and related illnesses in Canada. The focus should shift to harm reduction and adopting successful strategies from other countries.

September 02, 2025 by junonews.com

RFK Jr. has expressed false views like WIFI causing brain damage. Despite this, he is correct about the safety of nicotine pouches, supported by Health Canada. Canada's restrictions on pouch sales are deemed counterproductive and hypocritical compared to Sweden's successful use. Embracing pouches as a cessation tool, as seen in Sweden, could significantly reduce smoking rates and related illnesses in Canada. The focus should shift to harm reduction and adopting successful strategies from other countries.

September 02, 2025 by junonews.com

RFK Jr. has expressed false views like WIFI causing brain damage. Despite this, he is correct about the safety of nicotine pouches, supported by Health Canada. Canada's restrictions on pouch sales are deemed counterproductive and hypocritical compared to Sweden's successful use. Embracing pouches as a cessation tool, as seen in Sweden, could significantly reduce smoking rates and related illnesses in Canada. The focus should shift to harm reduction and adopting successful strategies from other countries.

September 02, 2025 by theguardian.com

Doctors globally are highly concerned about the negative impact of vaping on children's health. They warn of irreversible harm caused by exposure to toxins and carcinogens, including unknown risks. Nicotine in e-cigarettes poses addiction and brain development hazards for adolescents, leading to cardiovascular issues. Studies show vaping increases stroke risk and releases harmful chemicals impacting the heart. Experts fear vaping may become a gateway to smoking and stress the urgent need for regulations to protect young people. Long-term effects are still unknown, but a ban on e-cigarette sales is suggested to prevent harm based on existing data and concerns.

September 02, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Five World Health Organisation tobacco control department staff earn more than UK and French leaders, with the top earner taking home around $300,000 annually. The Secretariat requested over $8.5 million to cover 19 staff for two years, seeking an 8% pay rise. The lowest-paid earns $96,930, well above global averages. Concerns were raised about prioritizing staff salaries over supporting Low and Medium Income Countries. Contributions from the UK, EU, and others mainly cover staff costs. Critics argue that funds could be used more efficiently. The FCTC Secretariat's high salaries are criticized as prioritizing self-interest over public health.

August 27, 2025 by rte.ie

Minister Carroll MacNeill supports banning nicotine pouches for under-18s due to concerns over their appeal to teenagers. Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power criticizes the marketing of these pouches to youth, emphasizing their attractive packaging and discreet use. Power warns of a potential epidemic similar to vaping and criticizes the slow government response to regulating nicotine products. She calls for broader legislation covering not only e-cigarettes but also emerging products like pouches. Power also condemns music festivals sponsored by nicotine brands as unethical, urging organizers to reconsider such partnerships. Regulatory action is urged to prevent underage nicotine use.

August 26, 2025 by filtermag.org

Media often sensationalize tobacco harm reduction, misinterpreting incomplete studies. A Guardian article claimed a study showed a third of UK teen vapers might start smoking, implying a gateway effect. Criticisms, including by Dr. Arielle Selya, questioned the study's methods and conclusions. Selya suggested a neutral approach to interpreting the results. The academic study warned of a potential link between vaping and smoking, while ASH UK reported concerns about vaping misconceptions among adults and youth. Selya attributed these misconceptions to sensationalist media coverage influencing public perception. The complex issue involves conflicting interpretations of data and potential biases.