Read articles from Europe

June 26, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

A recent study shows that if vapes were banned or more expensive, more young people might turn to smoking. Even though vaping is less harmful than smoking, many youths see them as interchangeable. There is a misconception about the dangers of vaping versus smoking. Researchers found that enforcing age restrictions and regulating packaging and marketing could help decrease youth vaping. However, there are concerns that strict regulations may lead to increased use of illegal vapes and tobacco among young people. The study, involving 29 youths aged 16-20, emphasizes the need for balanced interventions to address vaping trends.

June 25, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

A recent European Commission survey predicts that the EU will not achieve its 5% smoking rate target by 2030, now aiming for 2100. The survey shows vaping and heated tobacco products are effective in reducing smoking rates, with over half of users quitting or reducing tobacco intake. Some member states propose stricter vaping regulations, and over half of EU citizens support flavor bans. Only 3% vape, 4% tried pouches, while 24% still smoke. The World Vapers Alliance criticizes the EU for focusing on harm reduction products, urging a shift in public health strategies to combat smoking effectively.

June 21, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Romania's Chamber of Deputies passed a bill prohibiting ads for e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco-related products in various settings, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and near their entrances. The ban extends to media outlets, theaters, and ads targeting minors or making false claims about health benefits.

June 21, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Romania's Chamber of Deputies passed a bill prohibiting ads for e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and tobacco-related products in various settings, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and near their entrances. The ban extends to media outlets, theaters, and ads targeting minors or making false claims about health benefits.

June 20, 2024 by elpais.com

Karl Olov Fagerström, a renowned clinical psychologist, created a nicotine addiction test 45 years ago. He continues to advocate for harm reduction, stating that pure nicotine is less harmful than tobacco combustion. Fagerström promotes a tobacco-free society with less harmful alternatives like e-cigarettes and snus. Swedish data shows the effectiveness of these harm reduction strategies. He supports the UK NHS's initiative to provide free vaping kits to smokers. While some caution against e-cigarettes, Fagerström believes they are a safer option. He highlights the importance of harm reduction for individuals with mental disorders who have a higher prevalence of tobacco use.

June 20, 2024 by mirror.co.uk

Vapers are increasingly choosing high-strength nicotine e-cigarettes, with usage rising from 3.8% to 33% in England by 2024. The trend is more significant among young adults and users of disposable vapes. Research shows high-nicotine options are more effective in smoking cessation. Taxing vaping products based on nicotine could hinder quitting efforts. Experts suggest increasing prices of all vapes to deter underage use while ensuring high-nicotine vapes remain accessible for adult smokers.

June 20, 2024 by medicalxpress.com

A study found that both varenicline and nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes effectively help individuals quit smoking. Participants aged 25 to 75 were randomly assigned different cessation methods, with similar success rates on week 26: 40.4% for ECs, 43.8% for varenicline, and 19.7% for the placebo. The study suggests that while ECs may aid in reducing tobacco-related harm for long-term smokers, the potential long-term risks should be considered. The research was published in JAMA Internal Medicine by Anna Tuisku and colleagues from Lapland Central Hospital in Finland.

June 20, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

A new document supported by France, Germany, and other EU countries calls for a ban on flavors in nicotine products. To protect children, the paper asks for stricter regulations on marketing tobacco and nicotine on digital platforms. It will be discussed at an upcoming EU health ministers' meeting. The document urges the European Commission to propose measures to safeguard youth from the risks of tobacco and nicotine. It also suggests social media platforms take more responsibility for marketing these products. The paper contrasts with the European Parliament's support for vaping as a smoking cessation aid. This move has raised concerns, especially with France's involvement potentially impacting domestic politics.

June 20, 2024 by independent.co.uk

A study by University College London reveals a sharp increase in vapers using high-strength e-cigarettes. The trend is most notable among young adults and users of disposable vapes. Researchers caution against taxing vaping products by nicotine strength due to potential consequences. They warn that taxing higher-strength vapes could hinder smoking cessation efforts and push users towards lower-strength options. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of high-strength nicotine e-liquids in aiding smoking cessation. The authors advocate for policies that deter underage vaping without discouraging adult smokers from using high nicotine content vapes as quitting aids.

June 19, 2024 by eureporter.co

The EU faces a proposal to disrupt tobacco regulations. The Danish Health Minister suggests a ban on flavored nicotine products, bypassing the usual legislative process. This move could harm smokers seeking safer alternatives like vapes. The Commission's hesitation on tobacco product directives is causing concern, as new policies risk overlooking public consultation results. Strong opposition arises against tax hikes on alternative products like snus in Sweden. Experts warn against rushed regulations and advocate for evidence-based decisions. The responsible handling of novel nicotine products is crucial to balancing public health and preventing underage use. Enforcement and education are key, not excessive bans. EU states should learn from successful local regulations before implementing EU-wide measures.