Read articles from United Kingdom

April 22, 2025 by news-medical.net

British disposable vape ban announcement in 2024 led to a decline in e-cigarette use rates, with users switching to refillable devices. A study tracked these changes, highlighting the influence of policy on health decisions. Since 2021, youth vaping surged due to disposable vapes' appeal, prompting UK bans in 2025. Manufacturers now offer reusable alternatives. Findings suggest a shift away from disposables, indicating potential declines in vape usage. Policies play a crucial role in curbing vaping trends. Researchers analyzed data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, revealing a shift towards refillable devices post-ban. The move towards sustainability in vaping indicates positive environmental impacts but may not drastically reduce overall vaping rates.

April 18, 2025 by itv.com

Illicit nicotine pouches are flooding the UK, posing health risks, especially to children. These legal products, initially designed to help adults quit smoking, are unregulated and can be highly potent. Trading Standards reported a 112% increase in seizures, with over 8,000 confiscated in a year. Nicotine pouches are popular among teenagers due to their flavors and packaging but can lead to nicotine poisoning. Experts suggest regulating their nicotine content to protect public health. Concerns include accidental ingestion by children, addiction, and adverse effects on mental health. Legislation aims to prevent sales to minors and curb appealing branding, but calls for further restrictions persist.

April 18, 2025 by itv.com

Illicit nicotine pouches are flooding the UK, posing health risks, especially to children. These legal products, initially designed to help adults quit smoking, are unregulated and can be highly potent. Trading Standards reported a 112% increase in seizures, with over 8,000 confiscated in a year. Nicotine pouches are popular among teenagers due to their flavors and packaging but can lead to nicotine poisoning. Experts suggest regulating their nicotine content to protect public health. Concerns include accidental ingestion by children, addiction, and adverse effects on mental health. Legislation aims to prevent sales to minors and curb appealing branding, but calls for further restrictions persist.

April 16, 2025 by independent.co.uk

A study by University College London suggests that the upcoming disposable vapes ban may have limited impact on e-cigarette use, as people shift towards refillable devices. Vaping rates in the UK have stabilized, with a decline in disposable vape use. Researchers believe stricter vape policies could deter smokers from quitting. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK, analyzed data from over 88,000 adults. Policymakers are advised to prioritize measures that support smoking cessation while tackling youth vaping trends. Regulations on marketing and packaging are recommended to strike a balance. The Government aims to create a smoke-free generation with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, addressing both addiction and waste issues related to vaping.

April 16, 2025 by bbc.com

Disposable vape use in the UK is declining as a ban set for June 2025 approaches. A University College London study shows a significant drop in 16-24 year-olds using disposable vapes, likely switching to refillable options. The ban aims to reduce littering and youth vaping rates. Experts emphasize vaping's role in smoking cessation but warn of risks for non-smokers, especially youth. The study surveyed 88,611 people and observed a rise in vape usage before the ban announcement, now followed by a shift towards reusable devices. Vape manufacturers are adapting by producing rechargeable versions. The impact of the ban on youth vaping remains uncertain, with a focus on balancing vaping regulation with smoking cessation efforts.

April 16, 2025 by sky.com

A study by UCL suggests vaping rates are stable despite a shift from disposable to reusable vapes before the UK's ban. Researchers found that vaping rates increased among adults and young adults, then remained stable post-ban announcement. Disposable vape use decreased, especially among 16 to 24-year-olds. Experts recommend caution in implementing stricter policies to avoid discouraging smokers from using vapes to quit. Public health advocates see potential in planned regulations to address youth vaping while supporting smoking cessation in adults. The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to regulate e-cigarette packaging, marketing, and flavors to prevent targeting children.

April 14, 2025 by dailymail.co.uk

MPs and campaigners warned that the lack of new recruits enforcing the disposable vapes ban could fuel criminal activity. Only 80 Trading Standards officers were hired with inadequate funding, risking a rise in the illicit market. Amid concerns, the government faces challenges enforcing the ban on disposable vapes, with insufficient resources allocated. Critics fear the UK could see crime levels similar to Australia due to limited enforcement. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict vaping, increase taxes, and ban advertising, with enforcement delegated across multiple government departments. Concerns persist over the proliferation of illicit vaping products and tobacco, raising worries about organized crime involvement.

April 10, 2025 by filtermag.org

A report commissioned by the UK government highlights that drug-related law enforcement often increases violence rather than reducing it, contradicting current policies. The findings emphasize the need for a shift in drug enforcement strategies to consider the risk of exacerbating violence, especially linked to disrupting trafficking groups. Despite previous warnings from experts and former law enforcement officials, the report urges policymakers to take immediate action. Examples from a recent think tank report illustrate how enforcement actions can worsen violence and societal disruption dynamics without impacting drug markets in the long term, implying a need for a reevaluation of drug policy approaches.

April 02, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The UK Parliament has voted 360 to 42 in favor of advancing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to the House of Lords. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) praised the decision, calling it a historic step toward phasing out tobacco sales for future generations. ASH Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman highlighted that smoking has caused over 8 million deaths in the UK and emphasized that the bill, introduced by a Conservative government and supported by Labour, unites the country in its commitment to ending smoking-related harm.

April 01, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group studied industry submissions on the 2023/24 Tobacco and Vapes Bill, proposing a ban on tobacco sales to those born after 2009. Industry tactics to resist regulations were revealed, including opposition to the ban for lacking evidence and claims of harm to retailers. Tobacco companies pushed for weaker restrictions and exemptions. Despite claims of change, they continue to resist public health measures. The 2023/4 Bill was dropped, but a more ambitious version was later introduced. Researchers warn of industry pushback against strict policies and emphasize the importance of resisting industry influence to protect public health and future generations.