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January 06, 2025 by news-medical.net

Switching from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes shows potential for improving respiratory health, especially in reducing smoking-related symptoms. A recent study suggested that transitioning entirely to e-cigarettes might alleviate these symptoms. Analysis from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study waves 2-6 revealed that individuals who switched to e-cigarettes or quit smoking completely experienced symptom improvement, compared to those who continued smoking conventional cigarettes. Factors like age, race, and comorbidities influenced respiratory health outcomes. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, the study highlights the short-term benefits of transitioning to e-cigarettes for smokers struggling to quit and emphasizes the need for long-term health investigations.

January 06, 2025 by clinmedjournals.org

Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent in Nigeria, and while most smokers are aware of its harmful effects and express a desire to quit, they often struggle to do so successfully. Tobacco harm reduction (THR) products, such as electronic cigarettes, have shown promise in aiding smoking cessation. Integrating patent medicine vendors (PMVs), who play a significant role in public health initiatives in Nigeria, could enhance the accessibility of THR products to smokers. A study was conducted in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, using a convergent mixed-methods design to assess PMVs' knowledge and attitudes toward THR. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 320 PMVs and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 25 PMVs. Findings revealed low awareness and poor knowledge of THR among PMVs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

January 03, 2025 by gfn.tv

Francisco Ordoñez, President of ASOVAPE Columbia, gives us a rundown of a year of significant change in the regulation of safer nicotine products, and gives his hopes and wishes for tobacco harm reduction in 2025!

January 03, 2025 by gfn.tv

Has the UK lost some of its THR credibility in 2024? Michelle Jones joins us to recap a year of massive change in the UK, and gives us her New Year's Wishes for 2025!

January 03, 2025 by sciencedirect.com

E-cigarettes, promoted as alternatives to traditional smoking, have seen increased use, particularly among young non-tobacco users, raising health concerns due to unknown long-term effects. The oral cavity is a primary site for e-cigarette aerosol deposition, which contains harmful substances like nicotine, flavors, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and carcinogens. These aerosols disrupt host-microbial interactions, leading to gingivitis, periodontitis, and systemic diseases. Proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and impaired repair processes contribute to oral inflammation and pre-malignant lesions. This review examines the toxicological effects of e-cigarette aerosols on oral health, highlighting the need for further research to guide informed regulatory decisions.

December 23, 2024 by gfn.tv

In this festive Christmas special, Liza Katsiashvili reflects on a year of impactful milestones in the tobacco harm reduction community, spotlighting key campaigns like Every Life Counts by the World Vapers' Alliance and the enduring strength of advocates across the EU.

December 23, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The latest Briefing Paper by GSTHR highlights Aotearoa New Zealand's successful journey towards becoming "smokefree" by embracing vaping over smoking. The country's rapid shift towards vaping, aided by pro-consumer laws and government endorsement, has significantly reduced smoking rates. Aotearoa New Zealand aims to achieve the "Smokefree 2025" target by promoting vaping as a cessation tool. While successful overall, efforts are needed to address high smoking rates among specific communities like the Māori. In contrast to Australia's restrictive approach, New Zealand's supportive stance towards vaping has driven positive changes and lowered smoking rates. The country's strategy emphasizes the importance of consumer demand and the role of safer nicotine products in smoking reduction.

December 23, 2024 by thehill.com

E-cigarettes, initially designed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, deliver nicotine via a battery-powered device that avoids the harmful chemicals in combustible tobacco. They were intended to help smokers gradually quit nicotine. However, vaping has surged across all age groups, raising health concerns due to its potential harms. Clinicians and public health officials initially hoped e-cigarettes would help nicotine addicts quit gradually. Vaping, which involves inhaling e-cigarette vapor with high nicotine levels, has become widespread across all age groups despite growing evidence of its potential harm. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine as an aerosol rather than smoke, with lower emissions compared to traditional tobacco products. However, concerns persist about their impact on health.

December 23, 2024 by universityofcalifornia.edu

Pamela Ling, M.D., MPH, a professor at UCSF and Director of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, studies the impact of tobacco industry marketing on public health. She highlights that major tobacco companies own many leading vape manufacturers. Ling explains that vapes have become more addictive than ever and discusses the challenges of regulating them.

December 20, 2024 by johnmenadue.com

Francis Hodgson Burnett's quote emphasizes the importance of progress in drug policy. Despite past success in addressing drug issues, recent attempts in NSW have faced reluctance and resistance, with drug decriminalization and regulation off the table. International support for drug law reform is increasing, acknowledging the failure of the war on drugs. The 2024 NSW Drug Summit saw strong advocacy for decriminalization and regulation of cannabis, but political leaders remain hesitant. The urgent need for effective drug policy is evident, yet political will and funding for drug treatment and support lag behind. It is crucial for leaders to embrace change and prioritize health, human rights, and social equity in drug policy.