Stories

The WHO warns about new tobacco products targeting youth, leading to addiction. Despite progress, eight million still die from tobacco-related diseases yearly. Marketing e-cigarettes and nicotine products to teens is concerning, with usage nine times higher in adolescents than adults in 63 countries. Companies prioritize profits over public health. The WHO urges countries to regulate these products like traditional tobacco, with bans in some nations and strict controls recommended globally.

Belgian Health minister Vandenbroucke aims to ban flavored vapes, except tobacco, to curb youth nicotine addiction. The move follows advice from the Superior Health Council and aims to reduce the appeal of vaping to children. The Netherlands already allows only tobacco flavor, resulting in decreased vaping and smoking rates. While some argue for certain flavors to help smokers quit, prioritizing youth protection is key. Vaping among students has surged, prompting the need for stricter enforcement. Despite opposition from industry groups, Vandenbroucke pushes for the ban's prompt implementation, building on previous measures to reduce youth smoking and vaping.

Tobacco harm reductionists face attacks while advocating for safer nicotine products. Personal attacks and intimidation are common tactics by opponents trying to discredit them. Recent attacks targeted Dr. Farsalinos and THR advocate Bates ahead of COP11. Glantz's anti-vape stance led him to attack Bates for advocating THR. Siegel criticized Glantz for misrepresenting the scientific evidence. The misleading claims aim to distort the benefits of safer nicotine products compared to smoking. The attacks within the tobacco control movement hinder progress in reducing tobacco-related diseases. Calling out such smearing is crucial to combat unjustified criticisms and uphold the integrity of the debate on tobacco harm reduction.

Young people in Scotland are experimenting with nicotine pouches and experiencing negative effects such as nausea and fainting, according to new research from ScotCen published in Addiction. Nicotine pouches, introduced to the UK in 2019, are unregulated and can still be legally sold to under-18s, though upcoming legislation may change this. ScotCen conducted the UK’s first qualitative study on how 14–16-year-olds perceive and use these products, involving focus groups with 77 pupils and interviews with 13 school staff across four Scottish schools.

Smokers increasingly think vaping is as harmful as smoking, despite evidence showing it's far less risky. Misinformation perpetuates this belief, impacting public health. Misconceptions arise from the misrepresentation of vaping in the media, promoting fear over facts. Negative perceptions are reinforced by international campaigns funded by Michael Bloomberg. As smokers remain misinformed, the missed opportunity for harm reduction is highlighted, with vaping offering a significantly safer alternative to tobacco. Public trust in science communication is crucial in dispelling myths and promoting informed choices.

Michael Bloomberg's foundation funds NGOs to control global health policy, specifically targeting tobacco harm reduction tools like vaping. By investing billions in activist groups, health NGOs, and the WHO, Bloomberg influences public health decisions globally. These organizations, dubbed "Bloomberg Babies," push his anti-nicotine agenda. The network includes groups like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Corporate Accountability International, and Vital Strategies. This concentrated control raises concerns over transparency, tax avoidance, and bias in public health discourse. Despite hefty funding, the effectiveness of Bloomberg's anti-tobacco campaigns is questioned, with criticism of hindering harm reduction efforts and promoting questionable policies.

The European Union’s lack of unity during a crucial WHO meeting on tobacco bans has served as a “testing ground” ahead of an upcoming debate on the EU’s own tobacco rules, an EU diplomat said. For the first time, the EU will remain silent during discussions at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, taking place on 17–22 November in Geneva. The meeting will focus on strict global measures against tobacco, including new products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. Overall, EU member states agreed on the need for stricter rules for both traditional tobacco and emerging nicotine-based products.

COP11 opened with familiar praises for stringent restrictions on nicotine products, neglecting actual evidence. The World Health Organization's decisions at COP11 lack transparency and focus excessively on bans rather than effective measures. Embracing harm reduction over prohibition has significantly lowered smoking rates in some countries. While many nations advocate for harsh restrictions, New Zealand and Serbia stand out by advocating harm reduction and evidence-based policies. These voices challenge the prevailing narrative and emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making. Despite existing success stories, the influence of donors aligned with prohibition continues to dominate the conversation at COP11, limiting progress towards more effective solutions.

The UK experiences a decline in smoking, particularly in combustible products like cigarettes and rolling tobacco, with sales down 36%. Vape liquids are seeing growth, but value sales in convenience stores have decreased by 25%. Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as smokers switch to alternatives, with convenience stores leading sales. Sales of disposable vapes have been banned, leading to an increase in reusable vapes causing disposal issues. Cigars and cigarillos are growing, with cigarillos dominating the market. The proposed generational ban on tobacco sales is predicted to increase illicit trade. Retailers are advised to diversify product offerings to meet consumer preferences.

The ban on disposable vapes aims to reduce environmental damage and curb nicotine addiction. Despite the ban, young people in Hull have not significantly changed their vaping habits. The Office for National Statistics revealed a slight decrease in daily or occasional e-cigarette use among 16-24 year olds. The ban, part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, intends to discourage youth vaping. While there are concerns about the attractiveness of vape flavors and packaging to young people, enforcement against illicit vapes is being strengthened. However, some worry that reusable vapes may still appeal to youths. Overall, the ban is seen as a success in reducing environmental impact, though its full impact on youth vaping remains to be seen.