Read articles from India

November 21, 2024 by indiatimes.com

Nicotine is often misunderstood as a carcinogen, but the US FDA clarifies that it's the harmful chemicals in tobacco products that cause health issues, not nicotine itself. UK's NHS also states that nicotine, though addictive, is relatively harmless. Nicotine is found not only in tobacco but also in other plants. Tobacco-related cancer is due to toxins from cigarette smoke. Safer alternatives like nicotine gums aim to reduce exposure to harmful substances. Experts support Nicotine Replacement Therapy to quit smoking. The global cancer burden is expected to rise significantly by 2050. Promoting these alternatives can be crucial in tobacco control policies for public health improvement.

August 23, 2024 by inquirer.net

A widening divide among public health policymakers is preventing millions of smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives, according to tobacco harm reduction (THR) advocates. Dr. Marewa Glover, a leading public health researcher from New Zealand, said a “culture war” between prohibitionist groups and THR advocates who promote less harmful options is hindering progress in public health efforts to combat smoking.

July 31, 2024 by organiser.org

Health and child rights experts raised concern over the promotion of e-cigarettes and vapes as a safe alternative to smoking and healthier alternatives to traditional tobacco products. They warned that these products are also being used as a gateway to traditional tobacco use. They cautioned that this misleading narrative is a strategic attempt by the industry to target and trap the young population, particularly those aged 10 to 19 years.

July 29, 2024 by indiatimes.com

Health experts caution against the misleading promotion of e-cigarettes and vapes as safe alternatives to traditional tobacco, warning of their addictive nature, especially among young people. India's ban on these products has potentially saved 24 million youth from addiction. The tobacco industry's tactics targeting youth with false health claims are condemned. Strict regulations are seen as crucial to protecting the population. The WHO supports India's ban on e-cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of countering industry tactics and prioritizing public health over revenue concerns.

June 05, 2024 by who.int

Tobacco industry targets youth with harmful products and marketing tactics, leading to premature deaths. WHO highlights industry's strategies on World No Tobacco Day to attract new users, with 37 million youth worldwide already addicted. India's youth tobacco survey reveals alarming statistics. The industry promotes addictive products, posing severe health risks. WHO urges protective policies to combat industry interference and protect children. Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to eliminate tobacco's dangers and addiction threats. India has banned e-cigarettes, taking steps to reduce tobacco harm. Supporting WHO's campaign can help raise awareness and shield the youth from tobacco industry deceit.

May 27, 2024 by gfn.tv

When India's government added nicotine replacement therapies to its list of essential medicines, tobacco harm reduction advocates celebrated a win for smokers looking to quit. But was this success short lived, and has India returned to an anti-nicotine frame of mind? Joining us today to discuss India's track record with nicotine is journalist Samrat Chowdhery.

May 06, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

India banned e-cigarettes in 2019 following WHO guidelines, influenced by tobacco control groups and economic factors. Despite court challenges, the ban was supported by the government, significant tobacco donations, and lack of local research. The decision was driven by political and financial interests rather than public health, denying over 100 million smokers access to safer nicotine consumption methods. The regulatory pathway favored by courts was ignored, leading to a ban that benefitted the tobacco industry. Juul's entry into India and foreign expertise also played a role in the outcome, as local industry voices were absent from the debate.

April 23, 2024 by indiatimes.com

India failed to differentiate between traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Despite acknowledging these differences for taxation, the ban on e-cigarettes remained uniform. The country, grappling with a high number of smokers, should consider harm reduction strategies like other nations. India's focus on tobacco control has had limited success, with a significant burden of tobacco-related diseases. The government must explore safer alternatives and tailor regulations based on toxicant levels.

April 04, 2024 by filtermag.org

The Indian states of Karnataka and Rajasthan were the first to ban vapes, motivated by political gain. Despite bans, vapes are easily accessible and the government's focus on revenue from tobacco sales impedes real health concerns. The ban lacks enforcement, pushing vapes into an unregulated market with risks to consumers, especially vulnerable groups. Advocates stress regulation over prohibition for public health and economic benefits. The prediction is that in about three years, India may legalize vapes, tapping into manufacturing potential and tax revenue. A plea is made to the government to regulate rather than ban, promoting a healthier India.

March 27, 2024 by filtermag.org

Rizwan, a former tobacco user turned vape seller in Mumbai, shares his journey of quitting tobacco after his mother's death from cancer. Despite the ban on vapes in India, Rizwan advocates for harm reduction. Exploring the city's diverse tobacco habits, he highlights the challenges faced in promoting safer alternatives. In impoverished areas like Dharavi, tobacco harm reduction is a luxury due to limited access to basic needs. Rizwan's advocacy stems from personal experiences and witnessing the devastating effects of tobacco. Despite obstacles, he seeks to raise awareness and provide alternatives in a tobacco-dependent society shaped by government restrictions.