Read articles from North America

July 15, 2025 by indiatimes.com

Nicotine pouches, resembling candy, have surged in popularity among adults and teens but pose a serious danger to children, with a 763% increase in poisonings. Ingestion can lead to severe outcomes, including fatalities. Parents are urged to store pouches securely, avoid use around kids, educate others, and opt for child-resistant packaging. Nicotine pouches contain high nicotine concentrations and appealing flavors, making accidental ingestion likely. Early symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. Emergency medical attention is crucial if poisoning is suspected. Prevention involves secure storage, avoidance of use near children, and educating caregivers about the risks. Ultimately, eliminating access to nicotine pouches is the best safeguard.

July 14, 2025 by washingtontimes.com

A new study published in JAMA Network Open on Friday analyzed data from 55,406 U.S. adults between 2013 and 2022. It found that in states where recreational marijuana was legalized, monthly marijuana use increased by 3.28% and tobacco e-cigarette use rose by 1.39%. These increases accelerated after marijuana dispensaries opened. However, there was no significant change in the number of people smoking traditional cigarettes. Experts express concern over the rising use of vapes and cannabis, especially as today’s marijuana is more potent and potentially more harmful than in the past.

July 14, 2025 by cnn.com

A recent study highlights a concerning rise in nicotine poisoning among children due to nicotine pouches, with a 760% increase from 2020 to 2023. These pouches, popular for their high nicotine concentration and appealing taste, pose a serious risk, especially to young ones. Public health experts worry about their popularity among teens, despite a small overall user base. Ingesting even small amounts of nicotine from these pouches can lead to severe symptoms. Parents are advised to keep such products out of reach of children and seek immediate help from Poison Control if ingestion is suspected. Ultimately, avoiding exposure and educating caregivers on the dangers are crucial preventive measures.

July 03, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

University of Queensland research reveals that youths with friends who vape are 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes. Studies show a rise in underage vaping of cannabis compounds, with an alarming increase in synthetic cannabinoids use, posing health risks. Peer influence significantly impacts vaping trends, with disapproval from influential figures reducing likelihood of vaping. Social media plays a role in promoting vaping as a trendy lifestyle choice. More regulation, campaigns, and research are needed to address these concerning trends. Key findings include increased vaping of cannabis products and shifting social norms towards cigarette and e-cigarette use among American teens.

July 01, 2025 by civilbeat.org

The tobacco industry targets young users with new products. Programs assisting people like a sixth-grade vaper in Hawaii show promise in quitting nicotine addiction. Despite progress, youth vaping remains a concern, with flavored products masking nicotine harshness. Health disparities are evident among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. Tobacco prevention programs in Hawaii are successful but face funding threats. Urgent actions include protecting funding, banning flavored tobacco, and supporting front-line workers. Continued efforts are crucial to safeguard youth, reduce diseases, and address health inequalities. By investing in proven strategies, we can prevent another generation from falling victim to tobacco addiction.

June 27, 2025 by cspdailynews.com

Illinois residents will face higher taxes on tobacco products starting July 1. The changes include nicotine pouches being taxed at 45% of the wholesale price and vapor products shifting from 36% to 45%. Moist snuff will also see an increase in taxes. The state budget bill includes these tax adjustments, aiming to generate more revenue. The American Lung Association supports the tax hike to reduce tobacco use. Indiana is also increasing its cigarette tax by $2 per pack, putting financial pressure on consumers. Retailers are concerned about tax compliance and hope for better enforcement rather than further tax increases.

June 16, 2025 by dawn.com

The text discusses the rise of vaping in Pakistan, with shops selling e-cigarettes targeted at adults but attracting young users with fruity flavors. Despite claims of being safer than cigarettes, health experts remain cautious due to unknown long-term effects. The tobacco industry is pivoting towards nicotine products, leading to concerns about addiction and access to underage users. Weak regulations in Pakistan allow for a thriving market, while global concerns about the environmental impact of disposable vapes are also highlighted. The narrative questions the true safety of vaping, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns to prevent a potential health crisis.

June 10, 2025 by ft.com

Sales growth of e-cigarettes is slowing down in both the US and UK, raising doubts about earlier predictions that vaping would overtake smoking and support the tobacco industry. British American Tobacco expects a mid-teens percentage decline in global vape sales in the first half of the year. In the US, regulated e-cigarette sales have dropped almost every month for the past two years, while in the UK, vaping rates have stagnated.

June 05, 2025 by thr101.org

Utah lawmakers propose an 86.5% tax on e-cigarettes to deter youth use, but experts argue this might harm public health benefits and small businesses. E-cigarettes are considered safer than traditional cigarettes by various health groups. Imposing such a tax could lead to significant financial losses for Utah's vape shops and increase online sales. Data shows youth vaping isn't a widespread issue, and the e-cigarette industry actively supports preventing underage sales. Instead of heavy taxation, policymakers should focus on youth prevention efforts and allocate tax revenues to tobacco cessation programs, not the general fund.

June 03, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A new report highlights Mexico's high smoking-related death toll due to strict anti-nicotine product policies, contrasting with Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through harm reduction strategies. Mexico's smoking rate has increased, causing 65,000 deaths yearly, while Sweden's rate has dropped significantly. Legal, affordable access to alternatives like snus and vapes has aided Sweden's success. Bans in Mexico have led to a black market and failed to curtail smoking. The report advocates for harm reduction policies, emphasizing the safety of alternatives compared to cigarettes. It suggests that legalizing and regulating these products can help smokers transition away from harmful smoking.