Stories

Former WHO staff urges governments to adopt tobacco harm reduction, potentially saving 100 million lives. Experts Derek Yach and Tikki Pang advocate for revising the Tobacco Control Convention before the COP11 meeting. They emphasize the need for policy changes to promote safer nicotine products and criticize barriers to harm reduction in medical practices. Highlighting successful examples like Japan and the US, they warn of the health and economic burden on developing countries. Embracing harm reduction is crucial, especially in regions with high smoking rates. The experts urge a shift in approach towards tobacco control policies for improved public health outcomes globally.

Although it was somewhat kept under wraps, nicotine inhalators – produced by companies such as Pfizer and Kenvue – have been discontinued. Are Pharmacist Only vapes the next best alternative? Deepali Gupta, an advanced cardiac pharmacist at Queensland Health and co-chair of the Statewide Smoking Cessation Working Group, first heard rumours in mid-2024 that nicotine inhalators would be discontinued. ‘It started with some reports from overseas,’ she said. ‘The reason for the discontinuation was that the resin needed to make the mouthpieces can no longer be sourced.’ This development impacts a significant group of patients with mental health conditions, many of whom have higher smoking rates and currently rely on inhalators as part of their nicotine replacement therapy.

The European Commission advocates a ban on cigarette filters and e-cigarettes, aligning with WHO directives. This move extends centralized power and fiscal control, overshadowing Member States' sovereignty. The proposal, driven by environmental and health concerns, masks a fiscal control agenda, enabling Brussels to appropriate national tax revenues. NGOs, funded by the Commission, amplify WHO policies, tightening the grip on EU legislation. The regulation would detrimentally impact European tobacco producers and erode subsidiarity principles. It contrasts with successful national policies like Sweden's. The push for global regulations contradicts von der Leyen's promises of economic freedom. Upholding health and freedom necessitates independent legislative decision-making and transparency in NGO funding.

Vaping is viewed more negatively than before, with concerns raised about its risks. Vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, containing fewer toxins. While not risk-free, vaping helps smokers quit, with research showing its effectiveness. Concerns exist about vaping during pregnancy, but it appears safer than smoking. Vaping is not a significant gateway to smoking among young people. Public health advice recommends vaping for smokers but discourages it for non-smokers. Misconceptions persist, with smokers mostly unaware of vaping benefits. Young people's use of vapes is a concern, but data does not strongly support it as a gateway to smoking. Balancing public health benefits and risks is crucial.

Tax hikes in Ireland, doubling vape prices, concern addicts quitting cigarettes and impact smokers. The Department of Health targets youth vaping but faces backlash. Irish Heart Foundation supports tax due to rising youth vaping rates. Vape shop owners fear black market growth and loss of adult customers. UK plans similar vape tax next year. Responsible Vaping Ireland backs the tax for public health. Enforcement and restrictions on flavors and sales are proposed. Vape shops foresee challenges in compliance and business sustainability amid rising prices.

Vaping surpasses smoking in the UK, with 5.4 million adults using vapes compared to 4.9 million smoking cigarettes in 2024. Daily vape use is popular among 25-49-year-olds and rising among women. The NHS states vaping poses fewer risks than smoking due to fewer harmful chemicals. Currently, 10% of UK adults use e-cigarettes, slightly more than smokers. Efforts to reduce smoking include bans on indoor smoking, smoking in cars with children, plain cigarette packaging, and future legislation prohibiting tobacco sales to those born after 2009. Concerns about vapes appealing to children have led to plans for stricter packaging rules. Usage among 16-24-year-olds has slightly decreased from 2023.

Social worker and health policy advocate Angelica Cabrera discusses the growing movement for tobacco harm reduction across Latin America. She shares regional experiences, challenges, and success stories that highlight how alternative nicotine products could transform public health outcomes — if supported by science-based policies.

There are three disturbing things about Dr. Glantz's presentation. Dr. Glantz misrepresents the scientific evidence, as extensive clinical research shows that switching from smoking to vaping leads to significant health improvements, including better respiratory symptoms and lung function; millions of people have experienced these benefits, and while dual use offers fewer gains than complete switching, there is no credible evidence that it increases harm, making claims that e-cigarettes worsen health scientifically unfounded and irresponsible.

The Maldives has introduced a unique smoking ban for individuals born after January 2007, making it the only country with such a generational prohibition on tobacco. The measure took effect on 1 November to safeguard public health and create a tobacco-free generation. The ban encompasses all tobacco products and applies to residents and visitors alike. Violators face fines, with retailers required to verify age before selling. The Maldives also prohibits e-cigarettes and vaping products. In comparison, the UK is still considering a similar ban, while New Zealand repealed theirs just under a year after its introduction in November 2023.

Five London boroughs, including Ealing, Croydon, Barking, Harrow, and Camden, show high smoking rates per ONS data. Ealing stands out with a 22% rate, 92% above the national average. Harrow and Bromley have doubled rates in a year. Despite concerns, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, and Richmond upon Thames feature the lowest rates. Nationally, smoking remains at 11.9%, the lowest since 2011. Vaping is noted as a safer quitting tool, but negative perceptions may hinder progress. Education on vaping risks versus benefits is urged to address rising smoking rates in specific areas as per Vape Club’s findings.