Read articles from Europe

September 19, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Italian lawmakers are investigating the country's taxation and concessions for tobacco and next-gen products. The Chamber of Deputies' finance committee is engaging with tobacconist and vapor industry representatives, recognizing the nicotine sector as a significant player. Sales shifts have prompted adjustments in tax regulations, such as extending duties to noncombustible tobacco products and e-liquids. The committee aims to evaluate compliance with EU rules, combat illicit trade, and address the €1 billion illegal market impacting state revenue. The inquiry must conclude by December 31, 2024.

September 19, 2024 by tobaccojournal.com

British American Tobacco introduced Omni™ at its Transformation Forum in London, aiming to promote a Smokeless World using science and innovation. The resource compiles studies on reduced-risk products, Tobacco Harm Reduction, and aims to address industry and societal challenges. Omni™ invites stakeholders to engage in discussions on THR policies towards achieving a smoke-free future. The initiative emphasizes switching smokers to safer alternatives and highlights the potential of reduced-risk products in transitioning to a smoke-free society.

September 18, 2024 by jamaicaobserver.com

The EU proposed a ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor areas to protect health, especially children's. The recommendation aims to reduce exposure to harmful emissions, as tobacco kills over 8 million people yearly. The EU plans to lower its smoking rate to under 5% by 2040 through its "Beating Cancer Plan," despite health policy being under member states' jurisdiction. The proposal covers areas like playgrounds, swimming pools, and cafes, urging countries to extend restrictions to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard against second-hand smoke and emissions.

September 18, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The European Commission plans to expand smoking bans to outdoor areas, including cafe terraces, bus stops, and zoos, potentially covering nicotine-free products. The proposal also targets heated-tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and other smoke or aerosol-emitting items. Concerns about the impact of emerging products as cessation aids drive the recommendations. The Commission highlights the exposure risks of aerosols from electronic cigarettes, emphasizing a need for comprehensive smoke-free policies in various public spaces. Critics, including the World Vapers’ Alliance, argue against equating vaping with smoking, citing harm reduction benefits and urging support for smokers aiming to quit.

September 18, 2024 by euractiv.com

The European Commission recommends banning cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products from outdoor areas to achieve a smoke-free environment under the Beating Cancer Plan by 2040. These guidelines also target protecting vulnerable groups from second-hand emissions and nicotine addiction. The EU wants to expand smoke-free policies to outdoor spaces and places frequented by youth. The Smoke Free Partnership supports these measures, while some doubt their impact due to national regulations. Currently, 25% of the EU population smokes, leading to 700,000 deaths annually. The Commission's aim is to reduce tobacco use significantly and address emerging tobacco products' risks.

September 17, 2024 by politico.eu

The European Commission plans to update recommendations to address vaping's popularity among youth. The proposal suggests extending smoking bans to children's areas, outdoor pools, and stricter e-cigarette regulations. Measures aim to protect against second-hand emissions in indoor settings and public transport also targeted.

September 17, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

A survey by Dutch vaper group ACVODA reveals that the online sales and flavour ban in the Netherlands has led to 80% of vapers buying products from nearby countries where flavoured items are legal. The ban has not changed usage patterns, with only 2% switching to mandated tobacco flavour and about 10% returning to smoking. Vapers criticize the government for limiting access to safer alternatives and forcing them towards cigarettes. The study shows resistance to quitting among e-cigarette users, with almost half feeling the government obstructs access to harm-reducing options. Concerns are raised about the ban's unintended consequences and the need for better policy alignment with users' needs.

September 16, 2024 by dailystar.co.uk

Vaping has been linked to various side effects reported over the last two years, including breathing problems, tiredness, depression, and more. The UK's medicines watchdog logged 234 symptoms from 91 cases, with breathing problems being the most common. While these are self-reported and not definitively linked to vaping, the industry advises transitioning smokers may experience such effects. Vaping, considered 95% less harmful than smoking, is popular among women under 25. Relevant experts recommend consulting healthcare professionals if experiencing persistent symptoms.

September 16, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

A survey of 102 Labour MPs in the UK reveals that nearly half consider the proposed cigarettes and vapes ban their lowest priority. Despite PM Keir Starmer's announcement of a ban on smoking in public spaces, only four MPs ranked it among their top three priorities. Instead, Labour MPs prioritize the Great British Energy Bill, Employment Rights Bill, and Crime and Policing Bill. Concerns arise over potential vaping bans following outdoor smoking restrictions. The survey results come ahead of the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, where internal debates over legislative priorities may unfold.

September 12, 2024 by news-medical.net

Research from the University of East Anglia shows that providing free e-cigarette starter packs to smokers in hospitals helped 1 in 4 quit. Over 50% of participants reduced or quit smoking 6 months later. Dr. Ward highlights the importance of personal motivation, support, and satisfaction with vaping in quitting. The study involved 1,010 daily smokers, with 24 participants providing feedback. Results suggest various quitting pathways exist, with some quitting without long-term vaping and others needing it to prevent relapse. The research emphasizes the effectiveness of opportunistic e-cigarette interventions but notes that not everyone sees vapes as medical treatments.