Read articles from Global

November 11, 2025 by thecritic.co.uk

As mentioned back in June, the European Commission has been preparing a plan to introduce EU-wide taxes on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Consumers became aware of this and responded en masse to the mandatory public consultation, with the vast majority opposing the proposal. Public health NGOs were outraged that the public actively took part in the consultation and struck back through one of their favourite outlets — Politico. The outlet noted that there were 18,480 responses — nine times the average for EU consultations — and ran the story under the headline: “EU tobacco tax hike plan swamped with pro-industry feedback.”

November 10, 2025 by substack.com

The concept of the "blank slate" from Stephen Pinker's book questions if human nature is determined by genetics or environment. The text critiques the overemphasis on extrinsic factors in behavioral health research, neglecting intrinsic factors like risk tolerance or personal preferences. Examples in tobacco control and health policy illustrate the bias towards modifiable external influences. The focus on extrinsic factors leads to incomplete science, ineffective public health strategies, and undermines personal agency. Acknowledging both intrinsic and extrinsic factors is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of behavior and designing successful interventions.

November 10, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Vaping, marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, poses risks, especially for young people. Columbia doctors emphasize vaping's impact on lungs, heart, and brain, noting potential long-term consequences. The addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes alters the brain's reward system, increasing susceptibility to substance abuse. Parents are advised to initiate open discussions with children about vaping, addressing the dangers and addiction potential. Monitoring subtle cues and maintaining ongoing dialogue can help prevent vaping initiation among teens.

November 10, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Nicotine vapes are more effective at helping people quit smoking than traditional nicotine replacement products. A scientific review analyzed 104 studies involving over 30,000 participants and found that vaping with nicotine is more successful in smoking cessation. There were no significant differences in side effects among the groups. Regulated nicotine vapes showed no evidence of serious harm; however, longer-term studies are needed for further evaluation. Public health agencies support nicotine vapes as a harm-reduction measure for adult smokers, emphasizing proper regulation and cautioning against non-smoker use, particularly by young individuals. Future research will focus on addressing gaps in evidence and ensuring safety in vaping practices.

November 07, 2025 by rstreet.org

Veterans have high smoking rates, leading to increased healthcare costs and mortality. Although the VA offers smoking cessation programs, many veterans struggle to quit, especially those with PTSD. Despite FDA support for harm reduction with e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, the VA has been slow to endorse these options. Some veterans are independently turning to reduced-risk products to quit smoking. Experts within the VA are advocating for harm reduction strategies, citing success in reducing smoking rates. Official VA guidance on harm reduction is lacking, but embracing reduced-risk products could further reduce smoking rates, save lives, and cut costs, benefiting veterans' health and well-being.

November 07, 2025 by gfn.tv

The World Health Organization is no longer just fighting smoking—it’s waging an ideological war against nicotine itself. In this blistering interview, former WHO official Professor Tikki Pang exposes how the global health establishment has become evidence-blind, influenced by Bloomberg funding, and driven by a moral crusade that erases the distinction between smoking and safer alternatives. From “harm is harm” rhetoric to regulatory capture, Pang warns that WHO’s stance is fueling misinformation, stifling science, and putting millions of lives at risk.

November 07, 2025 by allafrica.com

The World Health Organization reports tobacco kills over 7 million people annually. Experts suggest reevaluating the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, as smoking rates and related deaths persist globally. Despite efforts like taxation and cessation programs, little progress is evident. Criticisms include a lack of transparency on smoking prevalence rates and failure to focus on Harm Reduction strategies. Concerns persist over high smoking rates in regions like Indonesia and China. The WHO is accused of hindering Tobacco Harm Reduction progress. Experts call for more effective approaches, especially for long-term heavy smokers. Discussions at the Global Forum on Nicotine highlight challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries under the WHO FCTC.

November 06, 2025 by gfn.tv

Discover the real science behind effective vaping. In this episode, Joanna Junak talks with vaping science researcher Roberto Sussman about how power, airflow, and resistance shape vapor production, flavor, and efficiency. Learn why temperature control isn’t the key factor—and how adjusting wattage, coil resistance, and airflow settings can completely change your vaping experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to tune your vape for better performance, this episode explains the physics behind it all—clearly and scientifically.

November 06, 2025 by news-medical.net

Exposure to traditional and heated tobacco, whether active or passive, can lead to intestinal issues, oxidative stress, and vascular problems, challenging the notion that "smokeless" means safe. Research shows that both types of tobacco smoke cause oxidative stress and endotoxemia, impacting the gut barrier and cardiovascular health. Despite claims of reduced harm, heated tobacco products (HTPs) still pose risks comparable to conventional cigarettes. Children are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Studies outline the relationship between tobacco exposure, circulating endotoxins, and oxidative pathways, emphasizing the importance of stricter tobacco control measures for public health protection.

November 06, 2025 by bbc.co.uk

The UK banned disposable vapes to prevent child access. Concerns are rising over nicotine pouches, with 43% of 11-18 year-olds aware of them in June 2024, up from 38%. Public health charity ASH is monitoring the trend closely. Nina discussed the issue with school students and a health specialist.