Read articles from Europe

November 22, 2024 by glasgowlive.co.uk

Health groups in Scotland are urging the Scottish Government to implement a new tax on supermarkets selling alcohol and tobacco. The tax aims to raise funds for treatment and reduce health risks associated with these products. The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance Scotland proposes a "public health supplement" on retailers, highlighting the significant costs to the economy and healthcare system. This measure could generate around £60 million annually. Advocates emphasize the need for industry accountability, supporting programs for healthier communities and early disease detection. Retailers oppose additional taxes, citing existing financial burdens. The Scottish Government is considering the proposal ahead of the Budget announcement.

November 21, 2024 by statnews.com

The U.K. is set to ban disposable e-cigarettes to curb youth vaping and create a "smoke-free U.K." Disposable vapes are blamed for attracting young users with colorful flavors. Refillable vapes will still be sold. While the U.K. promotes e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking, experts caution about potential health risks and addiction. The government also aims to reduce environmental impact, as millions of single-use vapes are discarded weekly. Critics warn against hindering access to vaping for adult smokers while tackling youth usage. In contrast to the U.K., the U.S. has seen a decline in youth vaping through campaigns and flavor bans, with the FDA approving certain e-cigarette products for smoking cessation.

November 20, 2024 by filtermag.org

England is expected to miss its 2030 "smoke free" target by almost a decade, with Cancer Research UK predicting a 2039 achievement if current trends continue. The UK's smoking rates have declined, but England's progress is insufficient. Sweden and New Zealand are ahead due to successful tobacco alternatives. Government actions, such as banning disposable vapes and taxing vape products, may hinder efforts to reduce smoking rates. Critics argue that negative messaging around vaping contributes to the problem. CRUK supports legislation that opponents believe will impede smokers from transitioning to safer alternatives. The goal of a smoke-free UK by 2030 appears increasingly unlikely.

November 20, 2024 by theconversation.com

Varenicline, a highly effective smoking cessation pill, is back on the NHS after being withdrawn in 2021 due to impurities. A new version has been approved and can double or triple the chances of quitting compared to other methods. Varenicline works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is estimated to help over 85,000 people quit smoking annually in the UK, potentially preventing 9,500 smoking-related deaths. While it can have side-effects like nausea, varenicline's benefits in improving public health make it a valuable tool in reducing smoking-related risks. Combining quitting aids with counselling enhances success rates. Support for quitting is available at www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/.

November 20, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Italy and Romania criticize the EU proposal to ban vaping in public spaces, stating it lacks a solid scientific basis. They plan to ignore parts they disagree with in the recommendation to EU members. The lack of an adequate impact assessment is also criticized. They emphasize the importance of consensus and proper consideration of national concerns. Italy and Romania argue that the broad measures for outdoor areas lack scientific backing and legal foundation. The adopted recommendation does not impose legal obligations on member states and should not set regulatory precedents for tobacco policy discussions. Both countries maintain political concerns about certain recommendations.

November 19, 2024 by independent.co.uk

Imperial Brands saw a 26% surge in e-cigarette sales, reaching £8.2 billion revenue with growing popularity of vape products like Blu. Traditional cigarettes still dominate sales despite a decrease in smokers. Their next generation products (NGPs) division showed a 43% decrease in losses. The company expects slow growth in tobacco and NGP revenue for the upcoming year. The rise in vaping helped boost overall operating profit by 4.6%. Despite increasing anti-smoking regulations and taxes worldwide, Imperial Brands aims to challenge the industry with its vape products. Analysts predict a positive outlook, but acknowledge vaping remains a loss-making sector for now.

November 14, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Leading independent researchers at UK universities has expressed their opinions about the implications of the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Professor Sean Semple at the University of Stirling, the University of East Anglia’s Professor Caitlin Notley, Professors Jamie Brown and Lion Shahab at University College London, and King’s College London’s Professor Ann McNeill have all responded to the changes to vape legislation.

November 14, 2024 by 24shareupdates.com

Leading public health experts said Japan could save millions of lives if it embraces innovative and proven tobacco harm reduction measures. In Tokyo, the event featured a series of discussions with harm reduction and public health experts, including Dr. Fredrik Nystrom, Professor Marewa Glover, Professor David Sweanor, Professor Kazumasa Oguro, Dr. Kenji Shibuya and Dr. Hiroya Kumamaru.

November 13, 2024 by thecable.ng

Tobacco use remains one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, over 1.1 billion people still smoke, and the numbers remain stubbornly high, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, the healthcare burden caused by smoking-related diseases continues to strain resources, yet millions of smokers find it difficult or impossible to quit.

November 12, 2024 by gfn.tv

Switzerland is tightening up its restrictions on vaping products, bringing its policies further in line with the broader European attitude towards safer nicotine products. Joining us today is Michael Landl who provides his analysis of the latest regulatory changes and the impact they may have on vapers.