Stories

With all the trade tensions and tariff spats, there’s one U.S. export Europe could do without: the moral panic over vaping. Inexplicably, American-inspired fearmongering over safer nicotine products is reshaping EU policy and threatening tobacco harm reduction the world over. In this episode of RegWatch, filmed on location at the 2025 Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw, we sit down with Bill Wirtz, senior policy analyst at the Consumer Choice Center and creator of The Fun Police podcast. Wirtz explains how Bloomberg-funded NGOs, WHO-orchestrated pressure campaigns, and “Save the Children” messaging are fueling a crackdown on vaping in Europe and jeopardizing the rights of millions who’ve already quit smoking.

The European Union is off track to meet its 2040 smoke-free goal by over 60 years, with only a 1% decline in smoking rates since 2020. Three EU countries – Sweden, Czechia, and Greece – have shown remarkable success in reducing smoking through innovative nicotine products. Sweden leads as a smoke-free pioneer with a 5.4% smoking rate. Czechia achieved the fastest smoking decline in Europe, while Greece reversed high smoking rates. These success stories highlight the effectiveness of differentiated regulation and harm reduction policies. Embracing alternative nicotine products alongside traditional measures can accelerate progress towards smoke-free societies.

Tobacco harm reduction experts from across the globe recently gathered for this year's #GFN25 conference in Warsaw, so in this special series we've put together some of THR's leading experts to highlight the communication barriers that we need to overcome to share the real science behind safer nicotine products. Joining us on the conference floor today are Clive Bates, Fiona Patten and Mark Tyndall to highlight their biggest concerns facing the THR movement, and their hopes for the future.

Concerns have been raised that e-cigarettes have created a new generation of people addicted to nicotine. This study aimed to measure changes in the proportion of US high-school students reporting symptoms of nicotine dependence over the past decade, in the context of changing patterns of nicotine product use.

Illinois residents will face higher taxes on tobacco products starting July 1. The changes include nicotine pouches being taxed at 45% of the wholesale price and vapor products shifting from 36% to 45%. Moist snuff will also see an increase in taxes. The state budget bill includes these tax adjustments, aiming to generate more revenue. The American Lung Association supports the tax hike to reduce tobacco use. Indiana is also increasing its cigarette tax by $2 per pack, putting financial pressure on consumers. Retailers are concerned about tax compliance and hope for better enforcement rather than further tax increases.

WHO defended awarding Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad despite Malaysia granting a nicotine vape license, citing achievements up to a certain point. The award acknowledged efforts in tobacco control legislation and commitments. The WHO highlighted the importance of protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interference and monitoring new tobacco products like vapes. Malaysia achieved best-practice levels in four out of six WHO MPOWER tobacco control measures. These measures include monitoring tobacco use, protecting from smoke, warning about dangers, and raising taxes on tobacco. Malaysia reached moderate levels in offering help to quit and enforcing bans on tobacco advertising. Other countries are close to full MPOWER package implementation.

Smoking on planes was once normal, but tobacco control laws changed that. Now, using e-cigarettes in public places like shopping centres is becoming the new norm. As global cigarette use declines, the tobacco industry is shifting focus to products like vapes and heated tobacco. The WHO’s Global Tobacco Epidemic report, launched at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, highlights how graphic warnings and anti-tobacco campaigns can counter this trend. The report is especially relevant for South Africa, where a long-delayed tobacco control bill—now including electronic products—is finally being reviewed by Parliament.

A 2024 meta-analysis by Glantz et al on vaping is criticized for flaws, including misclassification of diseases and reliance on weak study designs. Experts warn that such poor-quality research distorts public health policies and discourages smokers from switching to safer alternatives. The analysis's reliance on inconsistent data may overstate vaping harms, despite high-quality studies finding no serious respiratory harm in non-smokers who vape. Concerns include double-counting cases, grouping different illnesses together, and flawed methodology. The study's conclusions suggesting vaping risks similar to smoking are deemed unreliable. The editorial urges better standards in conducting and interpreting meta-analyses, cautioning against misleading data that could impact public understanding and policy decisions.

GFN 2025 Keynote #1 - delivered by Mark Tyndall, hosted by Paddy Costall, response from Carolyn Beaumont - titled "What's so scary about tobacco harm reduction?". Mark will explore the lessons he has learned from the harm reduction movement, not least the way stigma experienced by people who use drugs, and moral judgements about drug-taking affect policy and political decision making. Consumer advocates and tobacco harm reduction campaigners face significant challenges engaging lawmakers and public health organisations, including structural opposition to safer nicotine products. How can we convince those in power that this consumer-led public health revolution can lead to real-world change?

E-cigarettes were initially marketed for smoking cessation but are now widely used by both smokers and non-smokers, with over 11 million Americans vaping regularly. Recent research in the journal ACS Central Science revealed high levels of toxic metals in some e-cigarettes, raising health concerns. The study found that disposable vapes may emit more toxins than refillable ones. Manufacturers dispute the findings, citing inaccurate testing. Researchers are calling for more studies and regulations due to the growing e-cigarette market surpassing scientific knowledge. Despite restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes, enforcement remains lax, allowing new products to flood the market.