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March 07, 2025 by independent.co.uk

A Trading Standards investigation found that 13% of vapes labeled as "nicotine-free" in the UK actually contained nicotine, sometimes exceeding legal limits. This poses a risk of unknowingly consuming the highly addictive substance, potentially hindering efforts to quit smoking. Businesses are urged to verify product claims to prevent misleading consumers. The study, part of a Department of Health initiative, underscores the importance of accurate labeling and regulation in the e-cigarette industry. Consumers and businesses are encouraged to report suspicious products and comply with standards to ensure product safety and compliance with the law.

March 06, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos, a researcher in Greece, criticizes a study claiming vaping is more harmful than smoking. He supports vaping as a safer alternative, citing a study with 17,973 patients that shows switching reduces cardiac risks. Farsalinos emphasizes vaping benefits for heart health and challenges misconceptions about nicotine's cardiovascular risks. His insights question recent studies equating vaping with smoking risks, suggesting they will be debunked. The study reveals challenges in smoking cessation, highlighting the importance of promoting vaping as a harm-reduction tool for cardiovascular health.

March 06, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

The World Vapers’ Alliance opposes EU plans for stricter regulations on vaping and pouches that could harm efforts to reduce smoking rates. Over 100,000 Europeans signed a petition rejecting these proposals, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking and harm reduction. The WVA urges policymakers to consider safer alternatives and not hinder progress in tobacco harm reduction.

March 05, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Bulgaria initially proposed a total ban on vapes, but has now revised the proposal to only ban disposable vapes due to high adolescent usage. The change aims to expedite the approval process, as a complete ban could take years due to EU regulations. The initial ban was prompted by a tragic incident involving a teenager vaping an illegal substance. Critics argue for caution, suggesting that hasty bans could lead to a black market and hinder smoking cessation efforts. Additionally, a separate bill has been introduced to ban energy drinks and narcotic substances for children under 18.

March 05, 2025 by telegraph.co.uk

Jessica Kent, a doctor at the University of Toronto, encountered a patient suffering from nicotine pouch-induced toxicity, a growing concern due to nicotine pouches' popularity in the UK. Unlike snus, nicotine pouches contain flavored nicotine powder and no tobacco. They are discreet, absorbed orally, and have fewer toxins than cigarettes. However, they can lead to oral health issues and addiction, with some illegal versions containing high levels of nicotine. Concerns have been raised about the marketing of these products to young people and the potential for increased nicotine addiction, especially among professional athletes.

March 04, 2025 by swissinfo.ch

Swiss parliament progresses towards a partial ban on tobacco ads, focusing on print media. The National Council approved restrictions with some leniencies, including banning ads in print media except in sections for adults and locations inaccessible to minors. Discussions on sponsorship regulations will resume next week. The initiative aims to prohibit tobacco ads accessible to children as approved by a majority of voters in 2022. The revised law targets print media, youth events, and sponsorships, aligning with European standards.

March 03, 2025 by clivebates.com

The Danish government plans to cap nicotine pouches at 9 mg starting in July 2025, with full implementation by April 2026. In response, concerns have been raised that the measure will fail to protect youth while harming adult smokers who need higher nicotine levels to switch successfully. Most young users already consume less than 9 mg, meaning the limit won’t reduce youth uptake. Additionally, some young people who might otherwise smoke benefit from switching to pouches. Furthermore, adults' improved health and well-being positively impact their families, indirectly benefiting youth.

March 03, 2025 by gfn.tv

Belgium has become the first country in Europe to ban disposable vapes, but will this actually have an impact on youth vaping rates, or will it just reduce access to safer nicotine products for millions of adults who smoke in Belgium? Joining us today is Alberto Gómez Hernández, Policy Manager at the World Vapers' Alliance, to dissect Belgium's vaping crackdown and the impact this could have on adult vapers.

March 03, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Finland plans to forbid most nicotine pouch flavors, only allowing menthol and mint, as part of a revised Tobacco Act. Nicotine content in pouches will be limited, sales to minors banned, and packaging controlled. An earlier version of the law had allowed more flavors but was scrapped due to favoritism allegations. A new bill must be approved by Parliament by March 20, with a transition period for compliance. Fimea reclassified nicotine pouches under the Tobacco and Chemicals Acts, rather than as medicinal products. The government's aim is to regulate pouch sales to prevent youth use and illegal trade under Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's program.

February 28, 2025 by filtermag.org

France banned disposable vapes, following Belgium, to reduce youth vaping and pollution. The law includes nicotine pouches, sparking controversy among harm reduction advocates. Proponents argue that disposables help marginalized groups quit smoking, criticizing the decision for lacking scientific basis. The ban could push ex-smokers back to tobacco due to limited alternatives. France's move aligns with EU anti-tobacco harm reduction trends, with other countries also restricting vaping products. Critics worry about the impact on smoking cessation efforts and public health in France, questioning the authorities' motives. The ban ignores the success of harm reduction methods in other countries and risks undermining progress.