Read articles from Europe

August 15, 2024 by bbc.com

Paul Brittain, a nurse at York Hospital, praises feeling healthier after switching from smoking to vaping through the Swap and Stop project. He is one of the 5.6 million UK adults vaping, with 11% using e-cigarettes. Despite vaping being less harmful than smoking, it still contains chemicals like nicotine. Brittain is gradually reducing his nicotine intake and experiencing improved health after years of chest infections. He sees himself as a non-smoker now, appreciating the positive changes from vaping compared to the challenges of quitting smoking previously. The government supports vaping for smoking cessation but discourages non-smokers from starting.

August 13, 2024 by fresh-balance.co.uk

Over half of those who quit smoking in the last 5 years in Great Britain used a vape, according to ASH and Fresh research. Vaping has become a popular aid for smoking cessation, with 2.7 million people using it to quit, especially in the North East region. Vaping is seen as an effective tool by health professionals, including hospital staff, for supporting smokers to quit. ASH emphasizes the need for tougher vape regulations to curb youth vaping while still promoting vapes as quitting aids. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it should only be used as a means to quit. Long-term ex-smokers and even some non-smokers are using vapes, highlighting the need for continued vigilance regarding their use.

August 12, 2024 by theguardian.com

The UK sees a rise in vaping, with adults who both smoke and vape doubling to 2.2 million in three years. Action on Smoking and Health's analysis, based on YouGov data, found 5.6 million British adults vape, with half being former smokers. Labour plans to ban cigarette sales to those born after 2009 to phase out smoking. Ash calls for tougher vape regulations and increased support for smokers to quit. Misconceptions about the harm of vaping persist. The government emphasizes vaping as a smoking cessation tool, but warns against starting for non-smokers. Measures aim to protect public health and reduce NHS burdens.

August 09, 2024 by consideratepouchers.org

In March, Inga-Lill Askersjö submitted a report to Sweden's Minister of Social Affairs regarding harm reduction strategies for nicotine products. The report suggests limiting nicotine content in pouches, measuring nicotine per gram, and creating nicotine-free schools. However, these proposals could limit access for adults and reduce the effectiveness of nicotine pouches for smoking cessation. The report overlooks harm reduction benefits and could increase the appeal of nicotine among minors.

August 08, 2024 by helsinkitimes.fi

The ESPAD monitors substance use among European students since 1995. The recent Finnish survey shows declining alcohol and tobacco use, but a rise in e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. While fewer students binge drink, some believe it poses fewer health risks. Daily smoking has decreased, but e-cigarette use is up. Snus and gambling have decreased, while cannabis use is slightly down. Stimulant drug experimentation is increasing. Preventive education is crucial, with focus on families. The forthcoming 2025 international ESPAD report will compare Finland to other European nations. Sweden and Norway show lower alcohol and cannabis use trends.

August 08, 2024 by onlinearabnews.com

Despite consuming nicotine at similar rates as other European countries, Swedes have reduced health risks by favoring alternative nicotine products over traditional smoking. Research confirms the benefits, leading to a 38% lower tobacco-related death rate for Swedish men. Acknowledging nicotine's role, Sweden promotes safer nicotine consumption without banning it entirely. This approach challenges misconceptions about nicotine causing cancer and highlights the importance of harm reduction in tobacco use. Dr. Carl Fagerstrom's report, ‘No Smoke, Less Harmful,’ advocates for a global shift towards harm reduction to save lives and emphasizes that smoke, not nicotine, poses the real health threat.

August 08, 2024 by onlinearabnews.com

Despite consuming nicotine at similar rates as other European countries, Swedes have reduced health risks by favoring alternative nicotine products over traditional smoking. Research confirms the benefits, leading to a 38% lower tobacco-related death rate for Swedish men. Acknowledging nicotine's role, Sweden promotes safer nicotine consumption without banning it entirely. This approach challenges misconceptions about nicotine causing cancer and highlights the importance of harm reduction in tobacco use. Dr. Carl Fagerstrom's report, ‘No Smoke, Less Harmful,’ advocates for a global shift towards harm reduction to save lives and emphasizes that smoke, not nicotine, poses the real health threat.

August 08, 2024 by onlinearabnews.com

Despite consuming nicotine at similar rates as other European countries, Swedes have reduced health risks by favoring alternative nicotine products over traditional smoking. Research confirms the benefits, leading to a 38% lower tobacco-related death rate for Swedish men. Acknowledging nicotine's role, Sweden promotes safer nicotine consumption without banning it entirely. This approach challenges misconceptions about nicotine causing cancer and highlights the importance of harm reduction in tobacco use. Dr. Carl Fagerstrom's report, ‘No Smoke, Less Harmful,’ advocates for a global shift towards harm reduction to save lives and emphasizes that smoke, not nicotine, poses the real health threat.

August 06, 2024 by dutchnews.nl

Philip Morris is bypassing the ban on flavored tobacco in the Netherlands by launching Levia, a nicotine product made from cellulose. Priced at €6.60 for a pack of 20 sticks, available in menthol and berry flavors, they are used in a vape-like device. Critics warn that although Levia is tobacco-free, it contains addictive nicotine, with unknown long-term health effects. Concerns arise as it may lead to continued smoking. The Dutch authorities cannot act due to current regulations but may change them soon. Trimbos research shows a concerning number of Dutch youth vaping and smoking, dispelling the idea that vaping deters smoking among youngsters.

August 06, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Evapo's analysis of the 2025 disposable vape ban predicts a potential £2.8 billion economic loss and 18,000 job cuts, highlighting the vaping industry's significant contribution to the UK economy. Removing disposable vapes may hinder smoking cessation efforts, increase NHS costs, and fuel illicit markets. International bans have led to a surge in illegal vape products, posing health risks and depriving governments of tax revenue. CEO Andrej Kuttruf urges policymakers to consider these impacts carefully to safeguard both the economy and public health.