Read articles from North America

October 14, 2025 by missouriindependent.com

Originally meant to help smokers quit, e-cigarettes and vaping products have become a new form of addiction, especially among young people. While designed for adult smokers, many young users now vape without ever having smoked. In Missouri, surveys show record-high use — 21% of college students vape and 28% use nicotine overall. Experts warn that easy access to vape shops and high-nicotine products has made this generation more addicted than ever before.

October 13, 2025 by realclearmarkets.com

Reforming the FDA’s PMTA process would allow U.S. manufacturers and retailers to offer safer alternatives to smoking, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn products. These products are proven to help smokers quit, supporting public health while enabling small businesses to grow, hire more employees, and strengthen local economies.

October 08, 2025 by gfn.tv

GFN News speaks with Filter’s Will Godfrey about reports of dramatic increases in vaping-related emergency department visits across several US states, especially among youth, and examines what those numbers truly represent beyond the headlines. The conversation highlights how headlines like “teen ER visits surge” can obscure distinctions between acute nicotine toxicity and far more subjective “e‑cigarette dependence” admissions that have driven much of the increase in reported cases. The discussion also explores how clinicians may mark visits as vape-related simply because a patient discloses vaping, even when it’s incidental to the medical issue, potentially inflating counts without reflecting actual vaping-caused harm.

October 08, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

Donald Trump campaigned on saving vaping. But under his watch, the FDA has seized more products than any previous administration and doubled down on the very anti-nicotine crusade he once promised to stop. In our ten years covering the U.S. Vaping industry never has the future looked so bleak. Joining us today to unpack the mounting contradictions of Trump’s FDA is Lindsey Stroud, THR policy expert and founder of Tobacco Harm Reduction 101 at thr101.org.

October 08, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

Donald Trump campaigned on saving vaping. But under his watch, the FDA has seized more products than any previous administration and doubled down on the very anti-nicotine crusade he once promised to stop. In our ten years covering the U.S. Vaping industry never has the future looked so bleak. Joining us today to unpack the mounting contradictions of Trump’s FDA is Lindsey Stroud, THR policy expert and founder of Tobacco Harm Reduction 101 at thr101.org.

October 02, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

The seizure of vaping products by federal authorities raises concerns for U.S. manufacturers, contradicting Trump's support for the industry. The Vapor Technology Association revealed that many seized products were American-made. The industry employs over 90,000 workers but faces regulatory challenges. Vaping, deemed less harmful than smoking, helps adults quit cigarettes. Critics question the FDA's focus on vaping over traditional tobacco products. Amid calls for clear guidelines and support for harm reduction, the industry struggles with limited FDA approvals. The crackdown and lack of regulation hinder American companies, despite the potential for domestic growth.

September 25, 2025 by nbmediacoop.org

Michael, a 32-year-old construction worker from Saint John, struggled with smoking until finding success with nicotine pouches. Despite their effectiveness, Canadian regulations restricting access to them caused inconvenience and hindered efforts to quit smoking. Michael argues that limiting safer alternatives like pouches disproportionately affects working-class individuals and perpetuates addiction rather than promoting public health. He highlights the importance of supporting harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related health issues. Michael calls on MPs to overturn the ban on nicotine pouches, emphasizing the need for sensible health policies that prioritize people's well-being over moral judgments.

September 25, 2025 by harvard.edu

Approximately 34 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, resulting in over 480,000 deaths yearly. Vaping, seen as a safer alternative for smokers, has gained popularity among teens. Balancing the need to deter youth vaping while allowing adult smokers access was discussed in a panel by the Petrie-Flom Center and others. Policies have shown some success in reducing youth e-cigarette use, but may increase adult tobacco use. E-cigarettes, with fewer harmful chemicals, are considered effective for smoking cessation. Regulatory gaps and weak FDA authority have hindered efforts to control e-cigarette sales, with financial penalties limited. Stricter age restrictions and penalties could help enforce regulations and prevent a shift from e-cigarettes to traditional cigarettes.

September 22, 2025 by 2firsts.com

Mexico's National Tobacco Industry Council (Conainta) is concerned about a proposed more than 30% increase in Special Tax on cigarettes and nicotine products, with up to 200% tax on alternative products starting in 2026. The Mexican Confederation of Industrial Chambers estimates a potential 50% boost in illicit consumption, leading to annual fiscal losses of MXN 13–15 billion. Conainta argues that previous tax hikes did not reduce consumption or boost revenue, citing a 7% drop in IEPS receipts for manufactured tobacco in 2024. Illicit trade poses a significant risk, with reports showing a 240% surge in illicit cigarettes from 2017–2023. The industry calls for a balanced fiscal reform to promote public health and combat illicit trade while maintaining sustainable revenues.

September 22, 2025 by cbc.ca

Local health officials are concerned about the increasing trend of teen vaping, with some young people even turning to cigarettes to curb their high-potency nicotine addiction. Issues of vaping on school premises are widespread, with many students facing warnings and fines. The deceptive marketing of vapes, coupled with the high nicotine content, poses risks of addiction and health problems. Efforts are being made to combat youth vaping rates through education, enforcement, and regulation. It is crucial for parents to educate their children early on the dangers of vaping. The complex intervention approach involves multiple strategies to address the issue effectively. Despite regulations, online sales of vapes and discreet product designs remain challenges for enforcement.