Stories

Released in late March, Australia’s latest federal budget reveals a striking trend: tobacco excise tax revenue has nearly halved since 2019, with projected losses reaching A$10 billion (€5.6 billion) by 2029. Local media investigations over the past month have linked this growing budget deficit to the country’s booming tobacco and nicotine black markets, driven in large part by organised crime. Experts warn that this surge in illicit trade is an unintended consequence of Canberra’s overly restrictive vaping policies.

Illicit nicotine pouches are flooding the UK, posing health risks, especially to children. These legal products, initially designed to help adults quit smoking, are unregulated and can be highly potent. Trading Standards reported a 112% increase in seizures, with over 8,000 confiscated in a year. Nicotine pouches are popular among teenagers due to their flavors and packaging but can lead to nicotine poisoning. Experts suggest regulating their nicotine content to protect public health. Concerns include accidental ingestion by children, addiction, and adverse effects on mental health. Legislation aims to prevent sales to minors and curb appealing branding, but calls for further restrictions persist.

David Oliveira, a former FDA official, criticizes mismanagement under Brian King and FDA's focus on optics over public health. He opposes the Biden Administration's menthol cigarette ban as pushing people to the black market. Oliveira calls for aggressive enforcement against flavored disposables, targeting unauthorized vape shops to combat vaping, particularly criticizing Chinese manufacturers and obscure product flavors.

Leading French oncologist Dr. David Khayat highlighted that nicotine alternatives like vapes do not cause cancer, as carcinogens in tobacco come from combustion. He stated that products like vapes reduce harmful substances and should be used more to aid smoking cessation, with harm reduction being crucial. Khayat emphasized the importance of regulatory frameworks balancing access and preventing youth uptake of these alternatives. With smoking causing eight million global deaths yearly, he urged smokers to consider safer alternatives. Khayat's views align with a cardiologist's stance on nicotine's non-carcinogenic and non-heart-disease-causing properties, pointing towards tobacco harm reduction discussions at an upcoming WHO conference.

A new study warns against the misconception that switching between cigarettes and vape pens reduces cancer risk. Dual users of both have similar exposure to nicotine and carcinogens as exclusive cigarette smokers. Tobacco cessation programs are urged as a safer alternative, as dual-use is deemed ineffective for health protection. Clinicians are advised to promote awareness on the risks of dual-use, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based cessation programs. Stronger FDA regulation of tobacco products, including illegal ones, is recommended to safeguard public health. The research underscores the need to prioritize tobacco prevention and cessation efforts.

Young adults are increasingly turning to Zyn oral nicotine pouches over e-cigarettes, with rising popularity and positive impacts on smoking rates. These pouches provide a discreet and varied nicotine experience, appealing to a diverse audience including women and athletes. Despite concerns from some policymakers, Zyn offers a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. Caution is advised to avoid potential side effects of overuse. Regulators should recognize and support the benefits of these products in reducing smoking rates, rather than restricting access.

Danish vaping restrictions, including a flavour ban, have not curbed youth vaping, with usage almost doubling in two years. Banned flavours are still popular, revealing the limited effectiveness of such bans. A Danish Health Authority report shows a shift from smoking to vaping, especially among young adults. Illegal markets for banned vape flavours are thriving, highlighting the failure of overregulation. Concerns are raised over proposed stricter regulations, with calls to learn from Swedish harm reduction policies. Despite intentions to reduce youth vaping, the Danish flavour ban is deemed unsuccessful, prompting reevaluation of current and future regulations by industry experts.

In this episode of The Lunch Hour with Andrew Langer, we're joined by Guy Bentley, Director of Consumer Freedom Research at the Reason Foundation. From the moral panic over vaping and the myth of “no safe level” of alcohol, to the creeping hand of public health regulation, Guy makes the case for evidence-based policy and the preservation of individual liberty.

Terrie Hall, a former smoker, appeared in anti-smoking ads despite battling cancer. The campaign, run by the CDC, helped millions quit smoking. Following recent closures at the Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), funded by the CDC, concerns arise about the future of tobacco control efforts. Former employees fear a setback in progress, potentially leading to increased smoking rates. With the shutdown of OSH and changes at the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, monitoring of tobacco trends and regulations is at risk. The move coincides with a positive climate for the tobacco industry, raising worries about public health consequences amidst reduced federal support for anti-smoking initiatives.

Smoking rates remain high in Germany despite the well-known serious health risks. This survey assessed motivation to stop smoking in Germany and barriers to quitting smoking or switching to two types of smoke-free products (SFPs): e-cigarettes (E-cigs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs).