Read articles from Europe

March 18, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

In 2006, Action on Smoking and Health Director Deborah Arnott highlighted the safety of smokeless tobacco, challenging the EU ban on snus. Despite proven health benefits, the ban originated from unfounded fears in the UK, with Sweden being the exception. Sweden's use of snus led to significant reductions in smoking-related illnesses, contrasting with the EU average. Efforts to lift the ban have been hindered by political and regulatory obstacles, despite overwhelming public support. The EU's refusal to acknowledge the success of snus in harm reduction reflects a pattern of misinformation and misconduct. The evidence supports lifting the ban, underscoring the potential for saved lives across Europe.

March 18, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A UK initiative, Swap 2 Stop, distributing free vape kits has helped over 3,500 smokers switch to vaping in Dorset alone, enhancing their health. Public Health Dorset's data indicates that being smoke-free for 28 days boosts the quit rate. The scheme's participants reported improved health after transitioning from smoking to vaping. Nationally, vaping has proven to be the most successful aid for quitting smoking in recent years, with over 5.6 million UK adults using vapes. Despite its effectiveness, vaping faces impending restrictions through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in parliament.

March 18, 2025 by independent.co.uk

Sweet-flavored nicotine pouches can lead to increased consumption, warn researchers. The popularity of these pouches has doubled, with flavors impacting user satisfaction. A study tested different flavors on rats and found females preferred sucrose, while males favored cinnamon. Sweeteners influence nicotine preference in females, while flavors play a bigger role for males. Nicotine, though less harmful than tobacco, remains addictive due to its impact on dopamine levels. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, craving, and cognitive deficits. Understanding flavor preferences can help in creating effective harm reduction strategies.

March 17, 2025 by express.co.uk

Labour's strict policies, such as banning smoking and disposable vapes, are driving support towards Nigel Farage's Reform party, according to a poll by the Adam Smith Institute. One in five former Labour voters are considering voting for Reform, as they believe Labour interferes too much in people's lives. The public perceives Farage and Reform as more fun and understanding of working-class issues. Many feel the government should focus on more important matters instead of restricting personal freedoms. The survey indicates a shift in support due to Labour's tendency to ban enjoyable activities, with the focus being on fun and prioritizing essential issues for voters.

March 14, 2025 by yourharrogate.co.uk

Yorkshire Cancer Research promotes vaping as a smoking cessation tool, dispelling misconceptions about its safety. The charity funds programs to increase access to vapes in Yorkshire, where vaping aids in over 4,600 smokers quitting annually. Despite evidence showing vaping is less harmful than smoking, misconceptions persist. The charity's stop smoking initiatives, including offering free vape kits, have successfully helped many quit. More than 4,400 individuals in Yorkshire have quit smoking with their support. Dr. Griffiths emphasizes the importance of vaping as a cessation aid, advocating for its accessibility while combatting youth vaping. The charity supports measures like raising the cigarette sales age and tobacco industry taxes to fund cessation services.

March 13, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Poland is close to passing a Bill that would ban flavored Heated Tobacco Products. The Senate Health Committee approved the regulation, which prohibits HTPs with non-tobacco flavors and mandates health warnings on packaging. The aim is to make these products less attractive and restrict access. Poland must align with the EU directive aimed at reducing the appeal of these products to children. The legislation, once passed, will have a nine-month transition period for businesses to comply. Additionally, Poland is considering other tobacco and vape regulations, including restricting the sale and use of vapes to minors and increasing taxes on e-liquids incrementally until 2027.

March 12, 2025 by dutchnews.nl

Junior health minister Vincent Karremans is considering raising the legal age to purchase cigarettes and vapes to 21 in the Netherlands. He aims to combat the serious vape issue among youths by potentially criminalizing flavored vapes, increasing fines for violations, and banning flavored vapes entirely. The government has already prohibited the sale of flavored vapes, but illegal sales persist through various channels. This new strategy is supported by the Trimbos addiction institute, emphasizing the importance of delaying nicotine exposure to avoid addiction. The Dutch health ministry is also pushing for EU regulations on e-cigarettes and tobacco products to protect public health. Unauthorized sales and harmful content in vapes remain significant concerns.

March 12, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Denmark will enforce a new law in July limiting the sale of nicotine pouches to a maximum of 9mg. The government aims to protect youth from addiction but faces opposition from vape advocates and harm reduction experts who argue that the restriction may push smokers towards more harmful products. Critics suggest setting a higher limit or focusing on quality standards instead. Smoke Free Sweden supports the harm reduction benefits of oral nicotine pouches over cigarettes, emphasizing the risk of users turning to illegal or unsafe alternatives due to the restriction.

March 12, 2025 by euronews.com

A French anti-tobacco group's report criticizes over 200 influencers for promoting nicotine products online in violation of French law since 2019. The report calls for stricter penalties and highlights the tobacco industry's efforts to target young people. Despite advertising bans, social media posts endorsing nicotine products persist. The influencers, with 1,000 to 20,000 followers, subtly advertise these products through events and competitions. The director of the group condemns the industry's actions, aiming to attract youth and create nicotine addiction. France aims to reduce smoking rates with regulations and price increases. Government response to these findings is pending.

March 11, 2025 by youtube.com

Bulgaria is at a crossroads. With the highest rate in the EU at 37%, the country is now considering a total ban on alternative products—a decision that could have catastrophic consequences for public health. In this episode of the WVA Podcast, we dive into the alarming situation in Bulgaria and the fight to stop this misguided prohibition. We’ve launched the "Stop The Ban" campaign to educate policymakers and the public on the life-saving potential of THR. Prohibition has never worked, and this ban risks pushing users back to deadly or dangerous black-market alternatives. Joining us is Elina Ivanova-Atanassov, a devoted vaping activist who has been on the frontlines of this battle. She shares insights into the political climate, the myths driving this ban, and what we can do to defend harm reduction and fight for our right to safer alternatives.