Read articles from Europe

February 03, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com

On 23rd January, the joint committee responsible for shaping the legislation approved a bill amending the Code of Public Health to enforce the ban. The bill will be examined by the Senate (upper house of Parliament) during the second week of February.

January 31, 2025 by gfn.tv

Germany's lawmakers have recently proposed a new ban on menthol flavours in safer nicotine products, but given that menthol is a key ingredient in over 80% of the flavours currently available on the market, could this proposed ban negatively impact the availability of safer nicotine products for people looking to quit smoking? Joining us today is Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, to unpack Germany's proposals and the actions consumers are taking to make their voices heard in this debate.

January 31, 2025 by irishmirror.ie

The HSE warns the public about vapes in Ireland exceeding legal nicotine levels. Four implicated products include ADADA A8, Crystal PRO MAX, Savage Vape, and McKesse MK Bar. Consumers are urged to stop using them, return to the point of purchase, and contact a GP if experiencing adverse effects. Retailers must ensure compliance with legal obligations. If importing from outside the EU, additional notification to the HSE is required. Check if your vape is affected, cease use, and report issues to [email protected]. Consider responsibilities as an importer and ensure products meet safety standards. Join the Irish Mirror for news and exclusive offers.

January 31, 2025 by thejournal.ie

The HSE warns against using electronic cigarettes with high nicotine levels, including ADADA A8, The Crystal PRO, Savage Vape, and McKesse MK Bar. Tests showed nicotine concentrations exceeding legal limits. Consumers are advised to check their products, stop using them, and contact the HSE if experiencing adverse effects. Retailers must remove and recall the affected items. An investigation revealed widespread illegal sales of non-compliant vapes, risking public safety. The HSE is conducting further probes into stores selling unlawful products. Over 64 tonnes of illegal vapes were seized to prevent entry into Ireland in the past two years, with penalties imposed on violators.

January 30, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Over 12,000 illegal e-cigarettes, including banned disposable vapes, were discovered at the Agora Gallery in Brussels by Public Health Ministry inspection services and police. These findings were made during three recent checks under new Tobacco Plan regulations. Products with excessive nicotine levels and smart vapes were seized, with fines up to €8,000 for traffickers. These dangerous products, hidden professionally, pose health risks, especially to minors. Despite prior seizures, illegal items persist, prompting planned future actions for public health protection, according to Public Health Ministry statements.

January 28, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

Paul Crone, from The National Association of Principals in Ireland, raises concerns about nicotine pouches' use. Articles on this topic have surfaced in various media outlets. Misinformation and bias against these products are evident in Ireland due to a misunderstanding of harm reduction. Attempts to regulate underage access to pouches focus on a legal loophole. Jennifer Whitmore advocates for stricter regulations, emphasizing the issue of concealing pouches in schools. However, the real issue lies in broader challenges faced by schools, such as mental health, educational disparities, and teacher shortages. Instead of focusing on minor issues, efforts should prioritize supporting healthier alternatives to smoking.

January 28, 2025 by filtermag.org

Belgium banned disposable vapes, citing health concerns and combating tobacco lobby influence. Despite success in decreasing smoking rates, regulations aim to curb potential addiction in youth. The country's stricter vaping laws follow a trend in the EU, with others planning similar measures. Meanwhile, concerns persist about unintended consequences and impact on disadvantaged groups. The EU's Batteries Regulation could further restrict disposable vapes due to their non-compliance. Debate continues on balancing public health goals with harm reduction strategies for smokers transitioning to safer nicotine products.

January 27, 2025 by manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Efforts to combat rising vape use include proposed measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming for a 'smoke-free generation' and crackdown on illegal vapes. However, concerns exist around potential impacts on adult vapers and a surge in the black market. The Bill faces opposition from industry leaders advocating for flavors to aid smoking cessation. VPZ supports youth access restrictions but warns against limiting flavors. The growing crisis sees children exposed to dangerous substances in counterfeit vapes. Recent spike in vape use prompts stricter regulations to curb underage access. Government emphasizes the need to deter youth vaping while supporting adult smokers trying to quit.

January 24, 2025 by dailyrecord.co.uk

The community receives special offers and promotions. Many aim to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2025 by quitting unhealthy habits like smoking. Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as a smoke-free alternative. However, fake tobacco products pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of buying from trusted sources. Counterfeit products may contain harmful chemicals and inconsistent nicotine levels, jeopardizing health and efforts to quit smoking. It's crucial to check for authentic packaging, QR codes, and buy from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit items. Always ensure product legitimacy before use to prevent health complications.

January 24, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A recent study published in BMJ Open shows a significant drop in smoking rates in Sweden since the 1980s, matched by a rise in snus usage. By 2022, only 4.5% of Swedes were smokers, with more women switching to snus than men. Sweden's pioneering approach to alternatives like vaping and snus has been credited for its success in reducing smoking. The study, based on surveys of over 13,000 people, highlights the impact of snus on smoking rates. Younger women showed the most significant shift from cigarettes to snus. Sweden reached its smoke-free goal well ahead of the EU target, with much lower tobacco-related health issues compared to the rest of Europe.