Stories

Electronic cigarettes owe their existence to Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, who sought to quit smoking in 2001. Using nicotine patches at the time, he began experimenting with vaporizing nicotine using food additives as solvents. In 2000, he developed the concept of using a piezoelectric ultrasound element to vaporize a nicotine-propylene glycol solution, stored in a disposable plastic cartridge. After refining the device into a handheld size, he patented it in China, and the first e-cigarette was manufactured in Beijing. His innovations laid the foundation for modern e-cigarettes. Hon’s story was presented at the 12th Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN 2025) in Warsaw, where he has supported the forum since 2015, promoting tobacco harm reduction.

A new Australian clinical trial shows that vaping flavored nicotine liquids is significantly more effective for quitting smoking than traditional nicotine gum or lozenges. Reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine on July 14, the study found that smokers using vaping devices were three times more likely to quit after six months. Over 1,000 government-assisted Australians took part, all of whom wanted to quit. Participants were randomly assigned to use either vaping or traditional nicotine replacement therapy.

A study by Marshall University shows that e-cigarette flavors like vanilla and cherry can drive vaping behavior in adolescents, similar to nicotine. The research, using an EVSA assay on mice, found vanilla and benzaldehyde triggered reward-seeking responses. Even without nicotine, vanilla flavor alone led to addictive behavior. These flavored additives may affect the brain's dopamine system, potentially causing addiction-like behaviors in teens. The study highlights the impact of flavorings on nicotinic receptors, key in nicotine addiction. Lead investigator Henderson warns of the risks of flavored vapes marketed as nicotine-free.

Last week, I explained that a recent clinical trial of very low nicotine cigarettes for pregnant smokers was unethical because neither the intervention nor control groups were offered usual care: being instructed by a physician to quit smoking and being offered behavioral interventions, as specified by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. However, in addition to this ethical breach, there are several other aspects of the research which contribute to its impropriety.

Teens misuse high-nicotine pouches causing health issues. Finn admits using them in school, affecting focus and health. Nicotine pouch use is on the rise, especially among the youth. The addictive pouches are easy to access and come in various flavors and strengths. There are concerns about their impact on gums, with potential long-term health risks. Despite being less harmful than cigarettes, they can still cause damage. Experts urge stricter regulations and warn of potential health hazards. Users like Finn and a student share experiences of gum damage and addiction. Research shows risks of gum disease and bone loss, highlighting the need for more awareness and regulation.

Switching from smoking to vapes or heated tobacco products can lead to improved fitness levels in just four weeks, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Researchers at the University of Catania found significant increases in aerobic capacity among participants who made the switch, regardless of using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products. These gains in fitness can motivate younger individuals to opt for safer nicotine alternatives. The study highlights the potential of smoke-free products as effective harm reduction tools, with improvements in cardiovascular efficiency seen as early as four weeks after quitting smoking. The findings suggest that both e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products can enhance cardiovascular fitness post-smoking cessation.

The text discusses a white paper on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) by Carl V. Phillips, highlighting the benefits of low-risk nicotine alternatives like vaping for reducing smoking rates. It criticizes U.S. policies hindering THR progress and emphasizes the need for targeted education and policy changes to support harm reduction, especially in Hispanic and minority communities. International examples show the positive impact of supportive environments on smoking reduction. Recommendations include ending misinformation campaigns, reducing barriers to low-risk products, and focusing on underserved populations. Overall, the paper advocates for government support of harm reduction to improve public health, particularly in marginalized communities.

New Jersey, a longtime leader in tobacco prevention, banned flavored vaping products in 2020 to protect youth. However, e-cigarette use among teens remains high, with 18.2% of high school students reporting current use. New legislation aims to strengthen enforcement of the ban by increasing penalties, requiring more inspections, and prohibiting deliveries to those under 21. Lawmakers are urged to pass these measures quickly to better protect young people’s health.

K·A·C's Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Program is open for its eighth cohort, with a deadline on July 31, 2025, offering mentoring, policy grounding, stipend, and 25 entry-level positions. The program aims to develop tobacco harm reduction leaders globally. Applicants must complete an online course before submitting project ideas. THRSP focuses on low and middle-income countries to reduce smoking-related deaths and enhance research and practice in harm reduction. Scholars undertake projects to improve understanding or communication in their regions. Past scholars have contributed research, networks, and media resources in the field.

GFN 2025 Keynote #3 - delivered by Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, hosted by Jagannath Sarangapani, response from Konstantinos Farsalinos. A consumer advocates’ approach, cutting through the noise to deliver factually accurate information about safer nicotine products is a constant struggle. Maria will present a ‘real-world how-to guide’, drawn from the lived experience of consumer advocates, identifying some useful tools to counter vaping and THR misinformation.