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May 19, 2025 by westernstandard.news

A study led by epidemiologist Amanda Palmer shows that young men and current tobacco users are most likely to use nicotine pouches, a new product in the tobacco industry. The research, based on data from 2022-23 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Survey, found this trend among almost 23,000 participants. Published in JAMA Network Open, this is one of the first studies to measure the popularity of nicotine pouches, starting with Wave 7 of the survey which began tracking tobacco use in 2013.

May 19, 2025 by nih.gov

A recent meta-analysis compared e-cigarette and smoking risks, finding dual use riskier. The accuracy of these conclusions was examined, focusing on heart attack, stroke, and lung disease. Some studies could have been excluded, but valid data showed reduced risks for vaping compared to smoking. Dual use posed higher risks. Bias affected conclusions, with limited unbiased data showing no significant vaping effects on diseases. The original meta-analysis had bias issues and switching to e-cigarettes might reduce disease risk. More unbiased studies are needed to support conclusions drawn by Glantz et al. on vaping risks.

May 19, 2025 by springer.com

The text criticizes Glantz et al.'s meta-analysis on disease outcomes related to e-cigarette use. The study inaccurately classified diseases, including irrelevant outcomes such as erectile dysfunction and influenza, leading to a biased interpretation. Glantz et al. mixed outcomes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) categories, lacked justification for outcome selection, and included studies with poor research design. The use of cross-sectional data without key information and inadequate adjustments in longitudinal studies further compromised the validity of the analysis. The study concludes that the pooled odds ratio was inflated due to these shortcomings.

May 19, 2025 by vapingpost.com

Scientific evidence challenges old views on tobacco control, particularly regarding safer nicotine alternatives like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The debate questions if these alternatives aid smoking cessation or create new nicotine users. Critiques reveal major flaws in prominent anti-vaping research, casting doubt on its credibility and impact on policy-making. Encouraging harm reduction, groups advocate for evidence-based regulation instead of moral panic. Success stories in countries like Sweden demonstrate reduced smoking rates through harm reduction strategies. Despite mounting evidence, some nations persist in restrictive regulations, risking progress in smoking cessation. It's time for public health leaders to embrace harm reduction and dismiss flawed research hindering societal health gains.

May 16, 2025 by filtermag.org

The tobacco harm reduction (THR) debate raises ethical questions about misinformation, youth rights, and health equity. Dr. Sridhar Venkatapuram explores these issues, advocating for harm reduction strategies over bans and discussing the societal factors influencing smoking. He emphasizes providing accurate information, supporting marginalized populations, and balancing individual freedoms with public health concerns. Venkatapuram addresses misconceptions around safer nicotine products, highlighting the complexities of regulating disposables and flavored vapes. He debates the role of tobacco companies in harm reduction efforts and advocates for individual autonomy in drug usage while acknowledging societal responsibilities. Venkatapuram advocates for a nuanced approach to addressing drug use and health disparities.

May 16, 2025 by rstreet.org

Smoking is a major issue among older Americans, with higher rates of smoking and lower quit attempts compared to younger individuals. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is effective in aiding smoking cessation, but older smokers face barriers such as cost and access. Combining NRT with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and social support can enhance quitting success. Additionally, promoting non-combustible nicotine products like e-cigarettes can offer alternative quitting methods. To support smoking cessation among older Americans, tailored education, accessible resources, and policy interventions are crucial to increase awareness and decrease environmental triggers. Providing a variety of cessation options is essential for improving the health outcomes of older smokers.

May 15, 2025 by gfn.tv

Building on the strength of its popular Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship programme, Knowledge•Action•Change's brand new foundational course 'Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction' is a free-to-use educational platform designed to help advocates expand their knowledge base. Joining us today to highlight this key new resource is one of its key authors, Chimwemwe Ngoma of KAC! Link to the e-course: https://thr.academy/academy/

May 15, 2025 by capx.co

The WHO spreads misinformation about vaping, failing to differentiate between harmful tobacco and safer alternatives like vapes. Statements made during a recent webinar were misleading and unsupported by evidence, falsely claiming health risks associated with reduced-risk products. This misinformation hinders efforts to reduce smoking rates and protect public health. By advocating for bans on flavors and misrepresenting safer nicotine alternatives, the WHO and governments risk benefiting Big Tobacco and impeding harm reduction efforts. To truly protect lives and combat smoking, the WHO must correct its misinformation and support evidence-based harm reduction strategies.

May 15, 2025 by independent.co.uk

Vaping can lead to serious lung damage, like "popcorn lung," caused by chemicals inhaled into the lungs, particularly harmful to young users. The condition, reminiscent of a case involving a US teenager, stems from chemicals like diacetyl, present in e-cigarettes and linked to irreversible lung issues. Vaping's rise among youth poses a significant health risk, with various flavorings containing harmful compounds. To address this growing concern, regulations and awareness campaigns are crucial to safeguard public health and prevent long-term damage. The story underscores the necessity of scrutinizing vaping products to protect future generations from enduring similar health consequences.

May 14, 2025 by westernstandard.news

A new policy paper from the World Vapers Alliance (WVA) urges the World Health Organization (WHO) to revise its 20-year-old tobacco control treaty. The report argues that electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches are currently the most effective tools for reducing smoking and criticizes the WHO’s outdated stance against harm reduction. Marking the 20th anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the paper claims that opposition to harm reduction has slowed progress and cost lives. It outlines 20 lessons, emphasizing the need to regulate nicotine products based on risk rather than banning them. The report cites research from Public Health England showing that vaping exposes users to at least 95% fewer toxins than traditional smoking.