Read articles from Europe

January 16, 2025 by dailyrecord.co.uk

Vaping has become popular as a substitute for smoking, with an increase in users in Scotland, including those under 16. While it is considered less harmful than smoking, vaping still poses health risks like addiction and lung damage. Hollyoaks star Paul Danan's recent death was attributed to excessive vaping, highlighting the potential dangers. The NHS warns of long-term health impacts, with concerns similar to those of traditional cigarettes. Belgium has banned e-cig sales due to health and environmental concerns, while Scotland and the UK plan to ban single-use vapes. The true extent of vaping's harm may not be fully realized for decades.

January 14, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A UK news channel is investigating illegal vapes containing synthetic cannabinoid "spice" amidst debates on vape regulations in Parliament. ITV News requested labs to test vape samples for spice. Spice, illegal in the UK, was found in black market vapes, posing severe health risks different from THC. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, addressing vape flavors but not spice vapes, is under consideration. Concerns arise about conflating legal and illegal vapes, as happened in the US. UKVIA stresses the safety of regulated nicotine vapes while warning against misinformation fueling anti-vape sentiments and potentially increasing smoking rates.

January 14, 2025 by aol.com

Canada implements new cigarette policy requiring individual cigarettes to display warnings such as "poison in every puff" to reduce smoking-related harm. Graphic images on cigarette boxes were mandated in 2001. Smoking on domestic flights was banned in 1994. The government aims to lower the smoking rate to under 5% by 2035. Anti-smoking measures have decreased smoking rates to 10.2%. Despite progress, nearly 50,000 Canadians die annually from smoking-related causes. Research shows warnings increase awareness. The new warnings will be in English and French. Phillip Morris International's Canadian branch supports the initiative.

January 13, 2025 by philenews.com

According to recent Eurobarometer data, one in four EU citizens smokes, with the highest rates found in eastern and southeastern Europe. Bulgaria leads with 37% smokers, followed by Greece (36%), Croatia (35%), and Romania (34%). Cyprus ranks seventh at 29%, while Sweden reports the lowest rate (8%), followed by the Netherlands (11%) and Denmark (14%). The survey highlights a gender gap in tobacco use, with 28% of men and 21% of women smoking. Over half of EU citizens (56%) have never smoked. Young men facing financial difficulties, particularly those aged 25-39 (32%), are the most likely to smoke.

January 10, 2025 by kcl.ac.uk

New research by IoPPN & ASH shows 1% of adults and youths currently use nicotine pouches. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to regulate pouch sales, advertising, and content. Nicotine pouches are non-tobacco sachets placed between the lips and gums to release nicotine. Findings from ASH surveys 2020-2024 reveal an increase in adult pouch use to 5.4% but only 1% currently use them. Youth usage stands at 1.2%. Study highlights the need to track pouch trends and understand socio-demographic factors.

January 09, 2025 by nltimes.nl

Dutch Institute of Psychologists advocates raising the minimum age for buying tobacco and vapes to 21 due to increasing youth smoking and vaping rates. Despite efforts, the National Prevention Agreement's goal for a smoke-free generation by 2040 faces challenges. NIP proposes additional measures like public awareness campaigns, higher taxes, and stricter sales restrictions to address rising health risks associated with smoking and vaping among young people.

January 08, 2025 by euronews.com

New research reveals that smoking one cigarette reduces life expectancy by about 20 minutes. The study by University College London looked at data from the British Doctors Study and the Million Women Study. Women lose around 22 minutes of life per cigarette, compared to 17 minutes for men. Earlier estimates were lower, with smoking believed to shorten life by 11 minutes. Smoking remains a major preventable cause of death globally and quitting at any age has health benefits. Combining behavioral support with stop-smoking medications increases success rates. Globally, tobacco-related deaths exceed those from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined.

January 07, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Half of e-cigarette vendors are not complying with strict regulations introduced by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke in 2023 to restrict flashy designs and slogans. Violations, especially in Brussels, were found in 80% of cases, with two-thirds related to vape composition. MP Els Van Hoof is pushing for legislation to ban flavors that mask health hazards. Harsher penalties are being considered, including closing non-compliant businesses if violations persist.

January 06, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

Irish research shows adolescents are more likely to use cannabis if they perceive parental ambivalence. The study of 4,400 15-16-year-olds identified other risk factors like peer influence, lack of parental supervision, and low perception of harm. Parental attitudes significantly impact adolescent behavior, with parental involvement key in prevention initiatives. Friends' influence was found to be even stronger. The research stressed the urgent need for tailored public health messaging to counter societal acceptance and misconceptions about cannabis. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of parental education and increased awareness of cannabis-related risks among teenagers and parents.

January 06, 2025 by gfn.tv

The UK has announced a mammoth effort to combat tobacco use with its The Tobacco and Vape Bill including the eye-catching generational tobacco ban, which will prevent anyone born after 2009 from ever being able to purchase harmful combustible tobacco products. But with safer nicotine products such as heated tobacco products and snus included in this ban, will tobacco harm reduction efforts be caught in the crossfire? And can this ban even be realistically enforced? Martin Cullip joins us to discuss the generational ban on tobacco products in the UK and many more proposed regulations announced in Part One of our UK special on GFN TV!