Read articles from United Kingdom

April 24, 2024 by rcplondon.ac.uk

The RCP’s new report says more should be done to reduce the appeal and availability of e-cigarettes to children and young people. E-cigarettes and harm reduction: an evidence review 2024 makes several recommendations for regulation, including restricting the promotion of e-cigarettes on social media, making e-cigarettes less affordable for young people, and introducing standardised packaging to make vapes and e-cigarettes less appealing. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) survey data shows that the prevalence of vaping among children and young people aged 11–17 has more than doubled from 3.2% in 2021 to 7.6% in 2023.

April 23, 2024 by swlondoner.co.uk

Dr. Robson from King’s College London suggests using alternatives like banning colorful vape packaging to address rising young people vaping rates, in response to the government's plan to ban disposable vapes. Research shows standard packaging reduces teen interest, especially in sweet flavors. Dr. Robson highlights the appeal of sweet flavors to both youth and adults and mentions the complex nature of the issue. Menthol bans have had varying success, with Dr. Robson pointing out the existing workaround problems. ASH's Deputy CEO explains the appeal of disposable vapes goes beyond flavor, affecting market trends. London has lower youth vaping rates but still significant compared to the UK.

April 22, 2024 by colinmendelsohn.com.au

The UK's proposed generational smoking ban aims to raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, though concerns exist about effectiveness and potential fueling of black market sales. Australia must address the stagnant smoking rates among adults while considering innovative solutions like vaping as a safer alternative. Focus should shift towards helping older smokers quit, where vaping has shown promise, rather than solely targeting youth uptake. Prioritizing solutions for stubbornly addicted adult smokers is crucial for public health efforts. Enabling access to safer alternatives could lead to longer and healthier lives, outweighing the emphasis on generational smoking bans.

April 22, 2024 by theconversation.com

There are no quick fixes in addressing public health issues like smoking. Measures like increasing tobacco prices and implementing strict regulations have been effective in reducing smoking rates. Recent legislation in the UK aims to phase out the legal sale of tobacco products and prevent future generations from becoming addicted. Australia has also introduced new tobacco control reforms, with a goal of reducing smoking prevalence. The debate on further restrictions on vaping products is ongoing. These efforts highlight the importance of continued vigilance against the tobacco industry's influence to create a smoke-free future for upcoming generations.

April 18, 2024 by theguardian.com

Smoking addiction affects many, with about 80,000 deaths yearly in the UK. Smoking-related diseases heavily impact deprived areas. Proposals in a tobacco bill aim to create a smoke-free generation, banning sales to under 15s, supported by health professionals and the public. This move can reduce lung cancer, heart diseases, and birth complications over time. The tobacco industry's tactics to promote addiction are concerning, despite evidence showing control measures reduce illegal sales. The bill's approval could significantly improve public health by preventing future diseases and reducing health inequalities for children.

April 18, 2024 by theguardian.com

Smoking addiction affects many, with about 80,000 deaths yearly in the UK. Smoking-related diseases heavily impact deprived areas. Proposals in a tobacco bill aim to create a smoke-free generation, banning sales to under 15s, supported by health professionals and the public. This move can reduce lung cancer, heart diseases, and birth complications over time. The tobacco industry's tactics to promote addiction are concerning, despite evidence showing control measures reduce illegal sales. The bill's approval could significantly improve public health by preventing future diseases and reducing health inequalities for children.

April 17, 2024 by spiked-online.com

Vaping has emerged as a safer alternative to smoking, providing nicotine without harmful combustion byproducts. Despite its popularity with 5.2% of UK adults, some still criticize vaping, ignoring evidence of its reduced risks compared to smoking. With misinformation spreading, studies like the one claiming vaping increases heart failure risk by 19% are met with skepticism due to lack of peer-review and potential biases. The WHO's exaggerated warnings, like linking vaping to seizures, lack substantial evidence. Properly regulated vaping is seen as a successful harm reduction tool, contrasting with anti-nicotine sentiments.

April 17, 2024 by bbc.com

MPs have backed a plan to ban anyone born after 2009 from buying cigarettes, effectively ensuring it will become law. The measures, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, survived despite opposition from several leading Tory figures - including two ex-PMs. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told MPs "there is no liberty in addiction" as she defended the plans. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill passed by 383 votes to 67. If they become law, the UK's smoking laws will be among the strictest in the world.

April 11, 2024 by bbc.com

People using cannabis THC vapes risk inhaling a very dangerous substance called xylazine, UK experts warn after discovering some confiscated products contained the "zombie" drug. It is "alarming" to find it in "even a few" illicit e-cigarettes that many think are pretty harmless, experts say. Dr Caroline Copeland and colleagues from King's College London say new types of illicit xylazine products are now entering the UK market. As well as risky vapes, they found tablets being sold as codeine and diazepam, or Valium, that contained xylazine.

April 08, 2024 by filtermag.org

Researchers at the University of East Anglia trialed providing free vape starter kits to smokers in UK emergency departments. After six months, 7.2% of the vape group had quit smoking compared to 4.1% in the control group. Offering vapes in A&E settings could help reach populations who may not access traditional cessation services, potentially leading to over 22,000 additional quitters annually. Emergency rooms offer a unique opportunity for behavior change due to heightened health awareness. Transitioning smokers to vapes could lead to significant health and financial benefits for individuals and healthcare systems. Expanding this approach is supported if adequately funded to avoid staff strain.