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November 07, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN.TV Interviews #76 | HARM IS HARM | Breaking Down the WHO’s Ideological Wall
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
Africa: FCTC's 20 Years of Stagnation - Smoking Rates in LMICs Barely Shifted in Two Decades
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
GFN Insights #9 | POWER, AIRFLOW & TEMPERATURE EXPLAINED! | SCIENCE OF VAPING
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
Heated tobacco and cigarettes cause the same gut and vascular damage, study finds
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
Nicotine pouches: What are they and why are they a problem?
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.
November 06, 2025 by filtermag.org
Denver Voters Uphold Flavor Ban, in Blow to Tobacco Harm Reduction
Denver voters have upheld a ban on flavored nicotine products, rejecting efforts for a repeal. The ban, imposed in 2024, prohibits the sale of menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and fruity vapes. Supporters claimed flavors drive youth vaping, while opponents argued it could harm small businesses and increase cigarette sales. The highly funded “Yes on 310” campaign prevailed over the underfunded opposition. Despite hopes for a different outcome, Denver joins other cities in Colorado with similar bans. The ban's impact on public health and smoking cessation efforts is now being monitored closely by experts.
November 05, 2025 by johnmenadue.com
Vaping: A disruptive innovation of smoking and rapidly replacing cigarettes
"Disruptive innovations" revolutionize markets by meeting consumer needs in new ways. The shift from cigarettes to safer nicotine products is akin to the transition from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. Vaping, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches have gained popularity, with over 140 million users worldwide. Despite rapid growth, some countries resist these alternatives. Policies in the US and New Zealand support the transition, while Australia faces challenges due to restrictions leading to a growing black market. Ultimately, the trend towards safer nicotine options is reshaping the market, asserting its importance over traditional cigarettes globally.
November 05, 2025 by apnews.com
Two Former WHO Leaders Warn: Rejecting Harm Reduction Will Cost 100 Million Lives
Former WHO staff urges governments to adopt tobacco harm reduction, potentially saving 100 million lives. Experts Derek Yach and Tikki Pang advocate for revising the Tobacco Control Convention before the COP11 meeting. They emphasize the need for policy changes to promote safer nicotine products and criticize barriers to harm reduction in medical practices. Highlighting successful examples like Japan and the US, they warn of the health and economic burden on developing countries. Embracing harm reduction is crucial, especially in regions with high smoking rates. The experts urge a shift in approach towards tobacco control policies for improved public health outcomes globally.
November 04, 2025 by ourworldindata.org
Is vaping less harmful than smoking, and does it help people quit?
Vaping is viewed more negatively than before, with concerns raised about its risks. Vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, containing fewer toxins. While not risk-free, vaping helps smokers quit, with research showing its effectiveness. Concerns exist about vaping during pregnancy, but it appears safer than smoking. Vaping is not a significant gateway to smoking among young people. Public health advice recommends vaping for smokers but discourages it for non-smokers. Misconceptions persist, with smokers mostly unaware of vaping benefits. Young people's use of vapes is a concern, but data does not strongly support it as a gateway to smoking. Balancing public health benefits and risks is crucial.
November 03, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN Voices 2025 #17 | CAN TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH IN LATIN AMERICA?
Social worker and health policy advocate Angelica Cabrera discusses the growing movement for tobacco harm reduction across Latin America. She shares regional experiences, challenges, and success stories that highlight how alternative nicotine products could transform public health outcomes — if supported by science-based policies.