Stories

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has moved to the Grand Committee stage in the House of Lords – and voices of reason are few and far between. Lord Murray of Blidworth introduced a long list of amendments and, in doing so, took aim at the government and Action On Smoking and Health for ignoring the inevitable consequences of implementing bans.

Teenagers in Scotland are trying unregulated nicotine pouches, experiencing issues like sickness and gum pain, per a study by ScotCen. These pouches, legal since 2019 and available to under-18s, are widely known among pupils as 'snus' or 'upper deckies'. While some believe them safer than smoking or vaping, adverse effects like gum pain and fainting were reported. School staff lack awareness of pouch use. Researchers advocate for stronger regulations and public health messaging. The UK government plans to license vape sellers in England and Wales. Research efforts are ongoing to assess the impact of nicotine products on youth health.

Colorful nicotine pouches are the tobacco industry's latest product, marketed as "tobacco-free" but filled with nicotine for a discreet buzz. Despite potential benefits for smokers trying to quit, concerns about addiction and health risks persist. Sales are rising, appealing to younger age groups with revamped marketing. Growing awareness among youth highlights accessibility and potential health issues, with worries about transitioning to more harmful products. The high nicotine content, addictive nature, and unknown long-term effects raise red flags, especially for developing brains. Regulations aim to curb underage use and limit flavors, acknowledging reduced harm compared to smoking but emphasizing the need for caution in preventing non-smokers from starting.

As mentioned back in June, the European Commission has been preparing a plan to introduce EU-wide taxes on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Consumers became aware of this and responded en masse to the mandatory public consultation, with the vast majority opposing the proposal. Public health NGOs were outraged that the public actively took part in the consultation and struck back through one of their favourite outlets — Politico. The outlet noted that there were 18,480 responses — nine times the average for EU consultations — and ran the story under the headline: “EU tobacco tax hike plan swamped with pro-industry feedback.”

Cigarette smoking remains a major health issue despite tobacco control efforts. Harm reduction strategies like using safer nicotine alternatives are crucial. Current tobacco control methods have limitations, leading to slow decline in smoking rates globally. Successful implementation of MPOWER measures has not significantly reduced smoking prevalence. Policy reform, accepting harm reduction, can accelerate reduction in smoking-related harm. Clinicians should support patients in using less harmful alternatives to combat smoking. Policymakers should focus on reducing smoking rather than banning safer alternatives. Adopting harm reduction in tobacco control strategies is vital for the next phase of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to achieve faster declines in smoking-related diseases and deaths.

Despite aspirations to be smoke-free, Malaysia struggles with high smoking rates and lacks clear harm reduction strategies, unlike successful models like Sweden and the UK. Embracing proven harm reduction tools, such as vaping, could help Malaysia combat smoking-related deaths and health costs. By focusing on science-based and compassionate approaches, policymakers can lead the country towards a healthier, smoke-free future. It's crucial to shift the narrative around alternatives like vaping, enforce regulations, educate the public, and support smokers in quitting. Following successful international examples, Malaysia can make progress in reducing smoking prevalence and improving public health outcomes.

The concept of the "blank slate" from Stephen Pinker's book questions if human nature is determined by genetics or environment. The text critiques the overemphasis on extrinsic factors in behavioral health research, neglecting intrinsic factors like risk tolerance or personal preferences. Examples in tobacco control and health policy illustrate the bias towards modifiable external influences. The focus on extrinsic factors leads to incomplete science, ineffective public health strategies, and undermines personal agency. Acknowledging both intrinsic and extrinsic factors is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of behavior and designing successful interventions.

Vaping, marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, poses risks, especially for young people. Columbia doctors emphasize vaping's impact on lungs, heart, and brain, noting potential long-term consequences. The addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes alters the brain's reward system, increasing susceptibility to substance abuse. Parents are advised to initiate open discussions with children about vaping, addressing the dangers and addiction potential. Monitoring subtle cues and maintaining ongoing dialogue can help prevent vaping initiation among teens.

The text discusses the Generational Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords and questions the need for the proposed ban on smoking among young people. Data shows a significant decline in smoking rates among the youth due to factors such as increased prices of tobacco and the popularity of vape products. The ban is deemed unnecessary as smoking rates are already decreasing, and the shift towards harm reduction products like vapes is increasing. Enforcing the ban would be costly and potentially ineffective, as evidenced by rising black market activity. Overall, the ban is criticized as unnecessary and costly, given the existing decline in smoking rates.

Nicotine vapes are more effective at helping people quit smoking than traditional nicotine replacement products. A scientific review analyzed 104 studies involving over 30,000 participants and found that vaping with nicotine is more successful in smoking cessation. There were no significant differences in side effects among the groups. Regulated nicotine vapes showed no evidence of serious harm; however, longer-term studies are needed for further evaluation. Public health agencies support nicotine vapes as a harm-reduction measure for adult smokers, emphasizing proper regulation and cautioning against non-smoker use, particularly by young individuals. Future research will focus on addressing gaps in evidence and ensuring safety in vaping practices.