Stories

A survey by nicotine pouch company Alternix found that British vapers generally spend more time on their habit than smokers. About 20% of vapers spend 20–39 minutes a day vaping, with 13% vaping over an hour daily, compared to 14% and 8% of smokers, respectively. On average, vaping accounts for around 5% of working hours, roughly 2 hours per week. Men tend to vape more than women.

Recent years have seen sensational claims about vaping dangers in studies later retracted for flaws. One study alleging a cancer link was pulled due to concerns over methodology. Another claiming vaping caused heart attacks failed due to timing issues. A study on liver disease linked to vaping faced critique for not considering key factors. The damage of misinformation lingers, with retractions often overlooked after headlines spread globally. The impact of flawed research online can distort public understanding, illustrating the need for careful scrutiny of vaping studies.

British American Tobacco has suspended its pilot project to introduce an unlicensed disposable vape in the U.S., as the Food and Drug Administration intensifies its efforts to crack down on unregulated products and accelerate the approval process for licences. The previously unreported reversal by BAT (BATS.L) highlights the complex challenges major tobacco companies face in trying to compete with a surge of unregulated products—mostly from China—that have eroded profits in the $22 billion U.S. market for smoking alternatives.

The Thai Cabinet orders an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to regulate e-cigarettes and tackle nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The Ministry of Public Health will lead in drafting the changes following a sharp increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The amendments aim to introduce comprehensive measures to control e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.

A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher reviewed oral nicotine pouches as a smoking cessation aid, finding reduced exposure to harmful substances but unclear quitting benefits. Cochrane's investigation aims to gather more data on the product's efficacy. Despite not being FDA-approved, oral nicotine pouches like Zyn offer potential health benefits over risks, shifting users away from smoking. These pouches, not involving tobacco leaf, differ from snus, promoting harm reduction. While nicotine products aid in smoking cessation, starting nicotine use is discouraged due to addiction risks. Detailed regulation and ongoing research could prove oral nicotine pouches as a viable alternative for smokers.

Active cigarette smoking in COPD patients was found to significantly increase pneumonia rates, as shown in a study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting. Data from the study did not show the same association for active e-cigarette or cigar smoking. The research involved 777 adults with COPD, indicating that active cigarette smoking led to a higher risk of pneumonia over a 12-month period. Other factors like age, sex, and comorbidities were also considered. Importantly, smoking cessation efforts may be crucial in reducing pneumonia risk for individuals with COPD.

The Department of Health will advocate harm reduction through vaping at the upcoming Geneva COP 11 conference. The UK government supports the use of vapes as a safer alternative to smoking, emphasizing its effectiveness in helping adults quit smoking. Health Minister Ashley Dalton reiterated the government's stance on vaping being less harmful than smoking while warning against non-smokers and young individuals using vapes. Advocates, like We Vape, urge for clear public communication to dispel misconceptions about vaping. The WHO, despite facing criticism for anti-vaping policies, will host COP 11 in Geneva. The UK's substantial financial support to the WHO reinforces its influence.

Resistance to flavor bans, taxes, and restrictions on nicotine use stems from harm reduction advocates' belief in personal freedom and distrust in tobacco control's motives. Many have successfully quit smoking by switching to safer alternatives, yet face stigma and exclusion. Misinformation and stigma harm those relying on harm reduction products, leading to social and personal consequences. Advocates fight for sensible regulation, truth, and the shared goal of saving lives. Inclusion of their voices in policy discussions is crucial. The fight is not against public health but for it, seeking to safeguard access to harm reduction products and prioritize individual choices for a smoke-free future.

A study by Analyse & Tal for netstof.dk found 1,341 profiles on Snapchat, TikTok, and Reddit selling illegal nicotine products and drugs such as cannabis and cocaine. This sale is accompanied by effective communication strategies, with young people encountering attractive ads and profiles selling puff bars and drugs. Snapchat claims to monitor and remove such accounts, while Reddit and TikTok have not responded.

Denver voters face Referendum 310, deciding on a ban on flavored nicotine products. Proponents aim to curb youth access, but opponents argue it's unnecessary due to declining underage vaping rates. The ban overlooks harm-reducing alternatives like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Similar bans in other places led to revenue loss and thriving black markets. Advocates suggest focusing on education and enforcement, not prohibition. The ban could push consumers to neighboring areas, causing economic losses. Critics warn of repeating past policy failures and urge for a balanced approach. Ultimately, the ban might do more harm than good, impacting public health, freedom, and the economy.