Read articles from North America

February 14, 2024 by morganmessenger.com

The use of e-cigarettes or vapes among high school students has significantly increased in the past five years, leading to concerns from health officials. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, as well as flavorings and other additives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that e-cigarettes are unsafe for young people, pregnant women, and their babies, just as smoking tobacco is. Vaping delivers nicotine through an aerosol that is inhaled. The CDC warns that nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development and lead to addiction. Vape users also risk exposing themselves and bystanders to harmful chemicals.

February 13, 2024 by healthpolicy-watch.news

The Tenth Conference of Parties (COP10) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) did not reach a decision on regulating e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, despite increasing industry pressure. However, the conference did adopt a milestone decision on strengthening language around Article 18, which focuses on the protection of the environment in relation to tobacco cultivation and manufacture. The parties also agreed to strengthen Article 19, which holds the tobacco industry accountable for its impact on health and the environment.

February 13, 2024 by who.int

The Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP10) recently took place in Panama City. Important decisions were made, including the establishment of expert groups to focus on tobacco control measures and liability, the extension of the Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control, and improvements to the reporting system for the WHO FCTC. There was also a historic decision on Article 18, urging Parties to consider the environmental impacts of tobacco. The Panama Declaration emphasized the conflict between the tobacco industry and public health policy.

February 13, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com

Day 5 of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s “Good Cop / Bad Cop” counter-conference to COP10 the World Health Organization’s Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control happening Feb 5 to Feb 10 in Panama City, Panama. Guests: Dr. Riccardo Polosa (Italy), Maria Papaioannoy (Canada) and David Williams, Martin Cullip (TPA)

February 12, 2024 by marketrealist.com

Philip Morris' tobacco-free nicotine product Zyn has seen a significant increase in sales, with a 62% growth compared to the previous year, shipping 350 million cans in 2023. The popularity of Zyn among Gen-Z consumers has raised concerns about its appeal to young people and the risks of nicotine addiction. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight the dangers of nicotine on young brains and the need for strict regulations to prevent underage use. Philip Morris claims to prioritize compliance with regulations, implementing measures such as age-gating and responsible marketing.

February 12, 2024 by theguardian.com

Zyn, a brand of smokeless nicotine pouches, is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. It is sold in circular tins and contains anywhere from 1.5mg to 9mg of nicotine per pouch, making it a discreet and convenient method of nicotine consumption. Many users, like 21-year-old David Dobbs, turn to Zyn as a smoking cessation aid. The product does not require spitting, distinguishing it from other smokeless tobacco, and has a range of flavors. Zyn is part of Philip Morris International's vision to "deliver a smoke-free future" and is marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products.

February 12, 2024 by nypost.com

A survey conducted by Siena College Research Institute found that New York officials are not effectively enforcing the ban on flavored vapes, leading to a thriving black market. 53% of residents believe that authorities are doing a fair or poor job, compared to 27% who view their efforts as good or excellent. The survey also revealed that only 39% of residents were aware that flavored vapes were outlawed. Despite this, 60% of New Yorkers support the ban on illegal flavored disposable vapes.

February 09, 2024 by manilastandard.net

Experts in harm reduction have called on the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) to provide complete and accurate information about smoke-free alternatives. The call comes as delegates from 183 countries gathered for the COP 10 conference in Panama, where the future of new and emerging tobacco products was discussed. Experts criticised the WHO FCTC for its refusal to allow consumers to participate in the event and accused the organisation of disregarding scientific evidence to redefine "smoke".

February 09, 2024 by vaping360.com

The 10th biennial meeting of the member nations of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is being held in Panama City. The FCTC is an international treaty sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its decisions are binding on its member countries. This year's meeting, known as COP 10, was initially scheduled for 2023 but was postponed due to political unrest and violence. COP 10 will address several topics that could impact users of vaping and other non-combustible nicotine products.

February 08, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com

Day 3 of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s “Good Cop / Bad Cop” counter-conference to COP10 the World Health Organization’s Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control happening Feb 5 to Feb 10 in Panama City, Panama. Guests: Jeannie Cameron (Uk), Roberto Sussman (Mexico) and David Williams, Martin Cullip (TPA)