Read articles from Europe

October 24, 2024 by independent.co.uk

An English study shows a rise in casual smoking among adults, with many underestimating the harms of cigarettes and lacking motivation to quit. Non-daily smokers comprise a significant and increasing portion of smokers, but their urge to quit is decreasing. Although they smoke fewer cigarettes, public health campaigns are needed to raise awareness of the risks of casual smoking and encourage all smokers to quit. Data analysis between 2006 and 2024 revealed a decrease in overall smoking rates in England. Efforts to combat smoking include proposed legislation to raise the age of tobacco sales and restrict vape marketing to protect public health.

October 23, 2024 by protectingtaxpayers.org

Discussion surrounding oral nicotine products like Zyn and nicotine pouches prompts a rethink of public health policies. Concerns focus on youth use, yet evidence shows these alternatives carry lower risks than cigarettes, possibly overlooked amidst alarmist reactions. Positive results from the 2024 CDC Youth Tobacco Survey reveal minimal youth pouch use, contrasting sharply with vaping and alcohol rates. Studies suggest that focusing on reducing smoking, not nicotine use, is crucial. Learning from countries like Sweden, which has low smoking rates with smokeless tobacco, informs the debate. Balanced regulation that keeps both youth protection and harm reduction for adults in mind is essential for effective public health strategies.

October 23, 2024 by gfn.tv

Sweden's government now recognises that reduced risk nicotine products are key to the country's low smoking prevalence. A new risk proportionate tobacco policy is being devised, but there is opposition. Will tobacco harm reduction be fully integrated into Swedish legislation? Stefan Matthison fills us in on the current state of play.

October 23, 2024 by filtermag.org

Ireland's government rushed through a heavy tax on vape e-liquids without proper consultation, risking discouraging smokers from switching to vapes. The tax, at €0.50 per milliliter, applies regardless of nicotine content and becomes effective in 2025. Concerns were raised over the lack of opportunity for scrutiny due to an expedited procedure, marking a departure from usual protocol. Critics argue the move unfairly burdens those trying to quit smoking, raising prices significantly and potentially driving consumers towards the black market. The tax plan also contrasts with public feedback against heavy vaping taxes and flavor restrictions. Advocates stress the risk of increased cigarette consumption and negative societal impacts.

October 22, 2024 by telegraph.co.uk

Sir Keir expressed anger over the high number of young children needing teeth removal due to neglecting oral health. He advocated for supervised tooth brushing to prevent this issue. The Prime Minister hinted at considering various measures to prevent ill health but didn't specify. Health campaigners are pushing for extra taxes on unhealthy food, supported by polls. Officials are discussing solutions for social care alongside health plans. Health organizations emphasize the importance of prevention, such as through sugar taxes and a healthier food system. Efforts to reduce tobacco and vape marketing are also highlighted to create a smoke-free generation.

October 22, 2024 by vaping360.com

French consumer vaping organization, SOVAPE, will dissolve after facing challenges from industry restrictions, accusations of ties to tobacco, and attacks on its mission. Established in 2016 and known for its Vape Summits, SOVAPE conducted surveys on vaping, but was recently barred due to conflicts of interest. The organization cited censorship and misinformation as reasons for its closure and will donate remaining funds to health-related institutes. Expressing disappointment at the inability to continue advocating for harm reduction, SOVAPE will preserve its online presence but cease its active fight for safer smoking alternatives.

October 22, 2024 by yle.fi

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) expressed concern that the proposed legal limit for nicotine content in nicotine pouches, set at 16.6 mg per gram in the latest government proposal, is too high. THL's Senior Specialist, Otto Ruokolainen, highlighted that other Nordic countries, like Sweden, are considering stricter limits, with Sweden proposing a cap of 12 mg per gram.

October 22, 2024 by polskieradio.pl

The recent findings reveal an increase in tobacco product experimentation among 10- to 11-year-olds. Additionally, a study showed that one in four primary school students has tried cigarettes or e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes serve as a gateway to addiction for 7 out of 10 teenagers.

October 21, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

The Polish government plans to extend excise tax to vapes and tobacco heating devices, aiming to align their prices more closely with traditional cigarettes. Led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Council of Ministers is likely to pass the legislation, despite the original idea of promoting vapes as a safer cigarette alternative by keeping them cheaper. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Finance increased tax rates on various tobacco products. Plans include further tax increases through 2027.

October 18, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

New research in The Lancet indicates going smoke-free globally could save millions of lives by 2050, with life expectancy rising by one year for men and 0.2 years for women if smoking levels are reduced to under five percent. This would result in an additional 735 million healthy years for men and 141 million for women. Sweden and New Zealand, promoting vaping, aim to be the first smoke-free countries. Sweden's smoking rates have decreased by 55% due to policies supporting alternative nicotine products. New Zealand has halved its smoking rates in five years by promoting vaping as a safer option, with rates dropping from 16.4% in 2011 to six percent in 2023.