Stories

Doctors from LUMC, the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, and Rookpreventie Jeugd are threatening legal action against Snapchat over the illegal sale of flavored vapes. The lawyers demand that Snapchat block vape-related content within two weeks, citing European regulations. The sale of flavored vapes is illegal in the Netherlands, but their circulation, especially among minors, persists. Snapchat responded by stating their prohibition of illegal activities and use of detection technology. The doctors aim to protect children and may escalate the issue to authorities if demands are not met. Discussions continue on the platform's responsibilities and potential solutions to combat illegal vape sales.

Vaping is linked to severe cavities in young adults, creating unique oral health problems by promoting bacteria growth, compromising antioxidant defences, and intensifying inflammation. Unique cavity locations, youth usage patterns, and plummeting dental implant success rates pose additional risks. Strategies to minimize damage include immediate post-vaping brushing, more frequent dental cleanings, strategic hydration, and selecting products with fewer additives. Dental professionals advise ongoing care and caution for vapers.

Sales growth of e-cigarettes is slowing down in both the US and UK, raising doubts about earlier predictions that vaping would overtake smoking and support the tobacco industry. British American Tobacco expects a mid-teens percentage decline in global vape sales in the first half of the year. In the US, regulated e-cigarette sales have dropped almost every month for the past two years, while in the UK, vaping rates have stagnated.

Bulgaria is considering a full ban on all vapes pending approval from Brussels, sparking concerns among harm reduction advocates. The legislation, backed by 197 MPs, also targets energy drinks marketed to minors. Lead sponsor Professor Kostadin Angelov suggests the ban may focus on disposable vapes for quicker implementation due to regulatory obstacles. The European Commission must be notified due to potential trade impacts. Smoke Free Sweden opposes the ban, cautioning against hindering tobacco harm reduction efforts in Europe, as it may push ex-smokers back to smoking.

Despite rising smoking rates Mexico still heavily restricts access to safer nicotine products, leaving few options for Mexico's. But could healthcare professionals be the key to stem Mexico's smoking dilemma? Marcela Madrazo joins us to highlight this alternative approach to THR in Mexico.

CHC Mont Legia welcomed Adrien Meunier, a clinical nurse tobacco specialist, on World No Tobacco Day to discuss the effectiveness of next-generation nicotine products in smoking cessation. Meunier clarified that nicotine itself is not a primary cause of fatal diseases, emphasizing the harm from toxic substances in cigarette smoke. He highlighted the drawbacks of box mod e-cigarettes and recommended pod-based e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, along with a gradual reduction strategy. Meunier also raised concerns about the popularity of puffs among youth and the risks associated with heated tobacco devices and nicotine pouches. Additionally, he warned about new addictive synthetic nicotine molecules entering the market.

France's anti-tobacco policy, with high taxes and bans on safer quitting tools, is ineffective. Around 75,000 people annually die due to tobacco, costing €150 billion. The policy lacks public trust, pushing 1 in 4 French to buy cigarettes illegally. This distrust stems from taxes seen as money grabs. France needs harm reduction programs, truthful messaging, and evaluation beyond tax gains. Hoekstra's EU-wide tax proposal risks expanding failed policies. Sensible changes are necessary to combat smoking effectively. France must shift from punitive measures to supportive strategies promoting healthier choices for smokers.

Harm reduction efforts outside prison can target weak policies for positive outcomes. Advocates suggest addressing vulnerable prison policies related to smoking to save lives and costs in Washington State. Selling nicotine vapes in prisons can promote safer habits and fund essential services. However, achieving policy change requires external support due to restrictions on inmate advocacy. Involving prisoners in harm reduction initiatives is crucial, but often overlooked. Collaboration between inmates and external stakeholders, such as researchers and advocacy groups, is needed to push for vaping policies in prisons. Inclusion of prisoners in harm reduction discussions and initiatives is essential for effective and just policy change.

Switzerland's upper house voted to ban disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, due to health concerns and their appeal to young people. Despite initial opposition, the ban aims to combat rising nicotine consumption and environmental impact. Switzerland follows other European countries and Swiss cantons in regulating vape sales. Critics warn of potential loopholes with reusable vapes becoming the next trend.

Dr. Rita Opene, a health expert in Delta State, Nigeria, raises alarm on the increasing tobacco-related deaths, stressing global preventable death concerns. Opene, also a coordinator for the Nigerian Cancer Society, highlights World Health Organization data revealing over seven million annual tobacco-related deaths worldwide. She addresses statistics from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, showing 4.7 million Nigerian adults using tobacco, with a rising trend in newer tobacco products. Opene warns about the health risks, including lung cancer and heart disease, associated with tobacco use, emphasizing the need for urgent action and awareness to combat the epidemic.