Smoking in Ireland
18% of the population are current smokers, with 14% daily smokers and 4% occasional smokers. These figures are the same as those reported in 2021-2022. Smoking is higher amongst men (21%) than women (15%) and higher amongst those who are unemployed or have not completed the Leaving Certificate. 33% of the population are ex-smokers. 49% of those who have smoked in the past year have attempted to quit smoking, with 23% of this group successfully quitting smoking. 58% used willpower alone, 25% used e-cigarettes, and 19% used nicotine replacement therapy. 8% of the population currently use e-cigarettes either daily (5%) or occasionally (3%), with a further 12% reporting they have tried them in the past but no longer use them. In 2022, 6% were current users of e-cigarettes. A fifth (20%) of women aged 15-24 use e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally; the rate for men of the same age group is 16%. Source: Healthy Ireland Survey 2023. (2023, November 22). Department of Health. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/73c9d-healthy-ireland-survey-2023/#smoking For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
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July 08, 2024 by ireland-live.ie
Government told ‘no time to waste’ reviving smoking ban legislation
Over 1,000 health experts urge the government to prioritize phasing out smoking by reintroducing legislation banning young individuals from smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, seen as crucial for public health, had broad support but was shelved due to a General Election. Advocates stress the importance of prioritizing this bill to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and combat youth vaping. Experts emphasize the urgent need to prevent marketing vapes to children while making them available for adult smokers. The UK has an opportunity to lead globally in eradicating smoking, and experts call on the government to seize this chance.
June 06, 2024 by rte.ie
HSE issues e-cigarette alert over illegal nicotine levels
The HSE warns of high nicotine levels in specific e-cigarette products, urging the public to avoid using them. Retailers are asked to stop selling and customers to return the E-LIQUID and QST Puff Flex products mentioned. The National Tobacco Control Office flagged the issue to the EU due to nicotine levels exceeding safety limits. Laboratory tests revealed nicotine content in E-LIQUID at 25.4mg/ml and QST Puff Flex above 30mg/ml. The HSE advises affected consumers to report any adverse effects and contact their GP. Manufacturers are reminded of their responsibility for product compliance and safety. Retailers must remove and report the products. Individuals are advised to check their e-cigarettes and return the mentioned products for public safety.
June 06, 2024 by irishexaminer.com
HSE warns over e-cigarette and refill with illegal levels of nicotine
The HSE has issued safety alerts for e-cigarettes with high nicotine levels. Two products - QST Puff Flex and E-LIQUID Tobaccon - were found to exceed legal limits. Consumers are advised to return them and seek medical help if needed. The HSE contacted distributors and emphasized their responsibility for product safety. Dr. Mulcahy stressed compliance with legislative requirements and warned of enforcement actions if needed. Retailers were instructed to stop selling these items and to recall them. Efforts were made to inform affected parties and uphold safety standards for e-cigarette products.
May 14, 2024 by rte.ie
Cabinet agrees ban on sale of tobacco to those under 21
Ireland's Cabinet approved banning tobacco sales to under 21s, aiming to lower smoking rates and prevent health issues. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly aims for fast-tracking the legislation, differentiating from the UK due to EU regulations. Vapes excluded due to health advice as a quitting aid. Retail workers aged 18-21 can still sell tobacco. Ireland sets to reduce adult smoking from 18% to under 5%, following prior workplace smoking bans. The law won't affect current 18-20-year-olds. Smoking contributes to various diseases and high mortality rates, prompting the move for a healthier population.
May 13, 2024 by irishexaminer.com
Catherine Conlon: Time to tackle vaping with strong legislation
Vaping's rapid rise among youth is causing concern over long-term health effects. New research reveals hazards in e-liquids, especially fruity and sweet flavors youth prefer. Legislation banning vape sales to under-18s and restricting marketing is crucial. Several countries have already implemented bans or restrictions. Urgent action is needed to regulate vaping to protect young people's health and the environment. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland supports strong regulations to address the growing vaping trend among youth. As vaping becomes increasingly popular, swift and robust legislation is essential to mitigate potential health risks associated with long-term vape use, particularly among young individuals.
May 09, 2024 by rte.ie
Future cancers may emerge from long-term vaping - expert
Professor O'Shea from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland warns that vaping exposes users to toxic compounds, leading to future cancers and cardiovascular issues. New research shows flavored vapes contain harmful chemicals, with fruit and candy flavors being particularly risky. Restrictions on flavors are urged, especially for the youth. Heating vape liquids creates numerous potentially hazardous compounds. Differences in vape devices make it challenging to assess risks accurately. Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking according to the HSE. Research using artificial intelligence highlights dangers in vaping. Long-term exposure to vapes may result in severe health consequences in the future, with specific attention needed for young non-smokers.
May 03, 2024 by irishexaminer.com
Parents of children as young as 10 calling national helpline over vaping concerns
Parentline reports a significant increase in calls from worried parents about vaping and e-cigarettes among children, with 76 calls in the first four months of this year compared to 10 last year. Some parents believe vaping is causing anxiety in their children. The rise in anxiety-related calls is also linked to school-related stress and challenges reintegrating post-Covid. The charity emphasizes concerns about children showing anger and aggression towards parents. The HSE warns of mental health issues associated with e-cigarette use. Parentline operates a national helpline for parenting support, receiving calls on a variety of issues.
April 25, 2024 by irishmirror.ie
Calls for Government to raise minimum age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21
A cancer researcher suggests raising the tobacco purchase age in Ireland to 21 to combat smoking rates. The European Cancer Organisation reports that smoking-related deaths are high in Ireland, urging for a 'Tobacco 21' approach. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland backs this, showing that raising the legal age could cut smoking rates among teens and young adults. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly supports this change to discourage minors from smoking. The initiative aims to protect younger age groups from the harmful effects of smoking. Ireland is urged to implement stricter tobacco regulations to create a smoke-free generation and reduce smoking-related deaths.
March 27, 2024 by vapingpost.com
More Data Indicating The Negative Consequences of Vape Flavour Bans
A survey in Ireland found that 75% of ex-smokers believe banning flavoured vapes would increase youth smoking. 90% of vapers fear a black market would emerge if flavours were banned. Experts argue that vape flavours aid smoking cessation, with 98% of ex-smokers crediting vaping for quitting. Restrictions could push vapers back to smoking and discourage smokers from switching. Vetoed bans, like in Florida, risk blocking safer alternatives for smokers. Studies show flavoured vapes help adults quit smoking better than tobacco flavours. Experts urge careful consideration of the impact of flavour bans on smoking rates and public health.
March 20, 2024 by independent.ie
One in five vapers would return to smoking habit if flavours banned, survey says
More than 75pc of vapers say a ban of flavouring could lead to more young people smoking, with one in five ex-smokers saying they would also pick the habit back up if flavours were banned. It has been an offence to sell a nicotine-inhaling product to someone under the age of 18 since December, with Government plans for a restriction on the use of flavouring set to follow. A new survey from Red C Research and Marketing shows 90pc of vapers surveyed believe an overall ban could lead to a black market for flavoured vapes. Almost half said they would source flavours from outside Ireland if it was introduced, with 71pc believing smokers would be less inclined to take up vaping to quit.
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