Read articles from Europe

September 12, 2024 by filtermag.org

Social workers can play a crucial role in reducing smoking rates among vulnerable groups, offering support for tobacco harm reduction. The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction emphasizes the importance of training social workers to address smoking issues and provide cessation support. By integrating harm reduction strategies and brief interventions, social workers can empower clients to make positive changes for their health. However, amidst challenging workloads, additional support, resources, and training are needed. Ultimately, promoting tobacco harm reduction aligns with the goals and motivations of many in the social work profession and can have a significant impact on public health.

September 10, 2024 by irishtimes.com

The sale of disposable vapes could be banned in the State, along with restrictions on flavors and advertising to prevent appeal to children. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly plans to introduce laws targeting environmental and public health concerns. Concerns include littering, toxic compounds, high nicotine levels, and insufficient cessation support. Regulations on flavors and sales to minors are already in place. Future plans involve increasing the number of GPs and managing sovereign wealth funds. Cabinet discussions include housing developments, North-South Ministerial Council updates, and Middle East affairs.

September 10, 2024 by rte.ie

Disposable vapes with lithium batteries are leading to significant environmental damage. In the UK, around five million vapes are discarded weekly, with only 17% recycled. The use of lithium batteries in disposable vapes is wasteful and poses dangers in disposal. The ban on disposable vapes in Ireland by 2024 reflects growing concerns. These vapes use lithium batteries for high power density but are challenging to recycle. Improper disposal can lead to fires and toxic emissions. Reconsidering the use of single-use electronics is crucial to lessen the environmental impact and address the waste issue.

September 10, 2024 by dublinlive.ie

Cabinet is expected to approve plans to ban disposable and flavored vapes in Ireland. Health Minister Donnelly aims to implement the ban promptly due to environmental and public health concerns. The legislation will prohibit single-use vapes and restrict flavored nicotine products to prevent appeal to children. Additionally, Donnelly will update on increasing GPs, and other ministers will address small business impacts, investment strategies, and international developments.

September 10, 2024 by breakingnews.ie

Ireland plans to ban disposable vapes sales with restrictions on colors and imagery to prevent targeting youth. Concerns over environmental impact and nicotine levels have prompted the new measures. The ban will build on existing regulations prohibiting sales to those under 18 and aims to address the issue of vapes potentially leading to smoking. The Minister of State for Public Health emphasized the need for changes in selling nicotine products and indicated upcoming rules on flavored vapes. Ireland joins other European countries in responding to the growing use of such products, reminiscent of past actions like the smoking ban.

September 10, 2024 by todayfm.com

Disposable vapes sale ban and flavored nicotine prohibition are planned to deter youth vaping. Health Minister Donnelly aims for less appeal to youngsters through legislation including flavor bans. Oireachtas approval is needed for these laws. Previously, prohibiting cape sales to under 18s was enforced.

September 10, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

The Czech Republic plans to ban flavored vapes, except tobacco, next year. This move, coupled with a new tax, has sparked criticism from vape industry leaders, who argue that the ban could hinder smoking cessation efforts. Studies show flavored vapes help smokers quit, making the ban counterproductive. The government's decision also contradicts its previous support for vaping as a smoking cessation tool. Critics warn the ban may lead ex-smokers to revert to conventional cigarettes or turn to the black market. Advocates suggest focusing on limiting vape access to minors instead of implementing a blanket ban on flavors. Similarly, the UK is considering similar restrictions on flavored vapes to deter youth vaping.

September 09, 2024 by ecigintelligence.com

A recent survey by Dutch vaping consumer association Acvoda revealed that bans on online sales and flavors in vaping products in the Netherlands have been ineffective. The study found that most vapers in the country now purchase flavored products abroad, feeling compelled to do so due to the restrictions imposed since July and January on online sales and flavor variety, respectively.

September 09, 2024 by filtermag.org

Harm reductionist Adriana Curado initiated vaping groups in Lisbon to assist marginalized individuals with smoking. Participants received support and products to reduce tobacco harm, with nearly all reducing tobacco use and some quitting. The project highlighted the importance of inclusive harm reduction strategies for tobacco and the participants' desire to improve their health. Curado emphasizes the need for access to safer nicotine products, data collection on affected populations, recognition of tobacco harm reduction in public health, and integration of nicotine in harm reduction strategies. The success of the vaping groups demonstrates the effectiveness of consumer-driven approaches in public health.

September 06, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

UK government plans to tighten vaping regulations after addressing smoking. Vaping, promoted for smoking cessation, will face stricter controls focused on young people. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes banning certain products, flavors, and indoor vaping in public areas. Critics argue the bans harm harm reduction efforts and impact the struggling hospitality industry. Labour's push for restrictive policies faces opposition from vape advocates and business leaders concerned about economic repercussions. The government aims to balance public health concerns with supporting the hospitality sector.