Read articles from Europe

October 03, 2024 by thegrocer.co.uk

The popularity of vaping among non-smokers in England has surged, with around one million adults who never smoked now vaping daily, largely due to disposable devices. The rise, especially among young adults, raises concerns about nicotine addiction. A study revealed a shift in vaper demographics towards younger individuals using disposable vapes and high-strength nicotine liquids. While vaping helps some quit smoking, it poses risks for others. Efforts to regulate vaping appeal to youth are underway, with debates on enforcing restrictions and banning flavors in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill. Concerns persist about preventing vape use among youth and non-smokers.

October 03, 2024 by bnnbloomberg.ca

A study shows an increase in non-smoking adults vaping in England, likely due to the popularity of disposable vapes. Vaping among this group rose to one in 28, driven by young adults and higher alcohol consumers. Among 18-24 year-olds who never smoked, one in seven now vape, with a rise in disposable device use. The study suggests the need for action to reduce vaping among young people, as e-cigarettes, while not containing tobacco, still pose health risks like nicotine addiction and physical symptoms. Recommendations include stricter regulation on product appearance and marketing.

October 03, 2024 by thelancet.com

E-cigarettes are increasingly used by smokers and ex-smokers, often to support smoking cessation, but also among those who have never regularly smoked. The aim of our study is to estimate time trends in vaping prevalence among adults who have never regularly smoked and describe the profile of adult never-regular-smokers who vape. The number of adults in England who vape but have never regularly smoked rose rapidly between 2021 and 2024, particularly in younger age groups and most of these individuals reported vaping regularly over a sustained period.

October 03, 2024 by theguardian.com

One million people in England now vape without having been regular smokers, a seven-fold increase in three years, raising health concerns. The Lancet study shows a rise in non-smokers using e-cigarettes, especially among young adults. Experts urge stricter regulations to prevent youth vaping, despite acknowledging vaping benefits for smokers trying to quit. Banning disposable vapes may not solve the issue, as reusable products already exist. Another study suggests accelerating anti-smoking measures to save lives. The Department of Health emphasizes the need to protect non-smokers, highlighting the importance of the Tobacco and Vapes bill in safeguarding public health.

October 03, 2024 by euronews.com

A survey in England shows a significant rise in non-regular smokers turning to vaping, with 1 million new adult vapers. The increase, driven by young adults, is sevenfold since 2021. Research suggests that some vapers might have smoked if vaping wasn't an option, making vaping less harmful than smoking for them. Heavy drinkers are more likely to vape, similar to smoking tendencies. Efforts are needed to limit vaping in adolescents, but if adults switch to vaping from smoking, it could be positive. The UK government faces a challenge in regulating e-cigarettes to balance discouraging non-smokers from vaping while supporting smokers using it to quit.

October 03, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

The Spanish government plans to ban disposable vapes and flavored e-cigarettes due to health and environmental concerns, aiming to reduce smoking rates. Advocates argue for flavored vaping products as effective tools for smoking cessation. Despite claims of disposable vapes being a 'gateway' to smoking, evidence suggests otherwise. Secretary Padilla outlined upcoming legislation changes to address public health issues and expand smoke-free areas by early 2025. Over half a million Spaniards vape, representing 1.3% of adults, whereas smoking affects nearly 28% of adults, leading to over 57,000 smoking-related deaths yearly. Discussions on these developments took place during a recent meeting in Madrid.

October 02, 2024 by bbc.com

Smoking rates among young adults in the UK have significantly decreased over the past decade. In 2023, 11.6% of adults in England smoked, down from 20% in 2011. E-cigarette use is on the rise, especially among 16-24 year-olds. Legislation is being developed to make England "smoke free" by 2030. While e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, the long-term health effects, especially for non-smokers, remain unclear. Tighter regulations on e-cigarette marketing and sales, as well as a ban on disposable vapes, are planned to deter use by teenagers. Although vaping is less harmful than smoking, non-smokers are cautioned against starting.

October 02, 2024 by newstalk.com

The Government introduced a 50-cent tax on e-cigarettes to be implemented next year, alongside a €1 increase in cigarette prices. Vapers criticized the levy, fearing it would hinder quitting efforts and drive users to unregulated sources. Smokers expressed frustration over the price hike. The Irish Heart Foundation supported the measures as important for deterring youth from harmful habits. The tax on e-cigarettes aims to combat the increase in youth vaping, seen as a gateway to smoking. Despite concerns about nicotine addiction, the tax is not set to take effect until mid-2025.

October 02, 2024 by filtermag.org

French tobacco harm reduction faces challenges despite high smoking rates. Activists united to produce the white paper "Merci la vape," advocating for vaping benefits and fighting misinformation. Backed by crowdfunding, it includes a major survey revealing the impact of vaping on smoking cessation. Efforts include a petition against proposed anti-vape measures. The European Commission’s support for a disposable vape ban in France raises concerns. Philip Poirson of Sovape explains the goals behind the initiative, aiming to inform policymakers and change harmful regulations. Despite opposition and negative press, they aim to influence tobacco harm reduction policies positively.

October 01, 2024 by worldvapersalliance.com

The World Vapers’ Alliance opposes the Secretary of State for Health's ban on disposable vapes and flavors, citing negative public health impacts, hindrance to smoking cessation, and black-market growth. They advocate for evidence-based regulation supporting harm reduction and criticizing the government's ignorance of successful anti-smoking strategies in the UK and Sweden. The WVA urges Spain to reconsider the ban, prioritize harm reduction, and support safer smoking alternatives.