Read articles from Europe

June 18, 2024 by eureporter.co

European countries are addressing the rise of youth tobacco and e-cigarette use by implementing various laws. Romania banned the sale of vaping products to minors, with fines up to €20,000. Similarly, Ireland and the UK have laws prohibiting sales to those under 18, with penalties including fines and prison time. France restricts e-cigarette sales to under 18s, and Italy prohibits sales to those under 18 with strict age verification. Despite these individual efforts, there is no EU-wide ban on selling tobacco and e-cigarettes to minors. Overall, these actions aim to reduce youth smoking and vaping rates across Europe.

June 17, 2024 by telegraph.co.uk

Scientists warn against a potential increase in youth smoking if e-cigarettes are banned due to the misconception that vaping is as harmful as smoking. The ban's unintended consequences could lead to young individuals turning to tobacco instead. With reduced public health messaging on smoking dangers and sensationalized vaping harms, many youths lack awareness of smoking risks. While vaping can aid smoking cessation, education campaigns are crucial to differentiate between vaping and smoking risks. Clarifying the relative harm levels and promoting vaping as a cessation tool can prevent non-smokers from developing nicotine addiction. Addressing misinformation and advocating for informed decisions on vaping and smoking are essential for public health.

June 17, 2024 by swissinfo.ch

Switzerland's House of Representatives voted to ban disposable e-cigarettes due to environmental and health concerns. Christophe Clivaz from the Greens pushed for the ban, citing pollution and addiction risks. The motion aims to prevent the sale of 'puff bars,' popular among youths for their flavors and colors. The government would amend the law to enforce the ban, despite opposition from Interior Minister Baume-Schneider. The Federal Council considers the ban premature, and now, the Senate will decide. The motion addresses the millions of disposed units that harm the environment and pose health risks.

June 12, 2024 by filtermag.org

Professional soccer players in the UK are increasingly using snus or nicotine pouches, with a study commissioned by the Professional Footballers’ Association revealing 18% of men and 22% of women players use them. Media coverage often focuses on the negatives, but these products can aid harm reduction. Players use them for relaxation, stress management, and focus improvement. While some may experience nicotine dependence, the potential risks are low compared to other nicotine products. Noteworthy is the positive impact of snus in reducing smoking rates in countries like Sweden. Snus can provide a safer alternative, especially in sports, without significant health risks.

June 07, 2024 by stir.ac.uk

Study participants found that the current UK-required nicotine addiction warning on e-cigarette packaging was ineffective. They suggested larger warnings, plain packaging, and warnings on the devices themselves to deter use, specifically among young people and non-nicotine users. Potential alternative warnings like messages on harm, risk, or toxicity were explored. Dr. Daniel Jones emphasized the importance of packaging in conveying health messages and the need for further research on effective warning strategies to prevent e-cigarette uptake in vulnerable populations. The research study is titled 'The role of e-cigarette packaging as a health communications tool.'

June 06, 2024 by mynewsdesk.com

20 out of the 23 dentists that have tested Stingfree nicotine pouches recommend Stingfree to patients that suffer from irritated gums and/or oral mucosal snus lesions, and that are unable or unwilling to cease using snus or nicotine pouches. Stingfree nicotine pouches are the world's only nicotine pouches with a built in protective layer for the gum that reduces burning and irritation of the users´ gums.

June 06, 2024 by irishexaminer.com

The HSE has issued safety alerts for e-cigarettes with high nicotine levels. Two products - QST Puff Flex and E-LIQUID Tobaccon - were found to exceed legal limits. Consumers are advised to return them and seek medical help if needed. The HSE contacted distributors and emphasized their responsibility for product safety. Dr. Mulcahy stressed compliance with legislative requirements and warned of enforcement actions if needed. Retailers were instructed to stop selling these items and to recall them. Efforts were made to inform affected parties and uphold safety standards for e-cigarette products.

May 28, 2024 by gfn.tv

Under Spain's new anti-smoking plan, safer nicotine products will now be equated with smoking in the latest measures to restrict vaping in the country. Joining us today is Carmen Escrig, Coordinator of the Spanish Medical Platform for Tobacco Harm Reduction, who will highlight the pushback against this proposal and the institutional biases that helped create it in the first place.

May 28, 2024 by medicalxpress.com

A University College London study shows a rise in nicotine use among adults in England due to increased vaping with disposable devices, while smoking rates slightly declined. Vaping particularly surged among young adults, tripling in those aged 18-24, with an increase from 9% to 29% since 2021. Older age groups showed smaller changes in vaping and smoking rates. Concerns over the potential impact on non-smoking young individuals were raised. The study analyzed data from 132,252 adults between 2016 and 2023. Researchers urge balanced policies to address youth vaping without hindering smoking cessation efforts and emphasize the deadliness of smoking compared to potential risks of vaping.

May 22, 2024 by meer.com

Nicotine pouches offer a safer way to consume nicotine without tobacco and smoke. Despite their growing popularity as an alternative to cigarettes, policymakers in the EU and US are considering new regulations. The debate intensifies over the health benefits of pouches compared to traditional smoking. In the US, Senator Schumer calls for action against popular brands like Zyn, raising concerns about teenage use. The EU also appears poised to regulate pouches, potentially impacting public health and consumer choices. Advocates stress the importance of evidence-based regulation to empower informed decisions and promote safer alternatives to smoking.