Stories

A recent study revealed a 12 percent increase in tobacco users in Croatia over two years, with 74 percent smoking cigarettes. The study by JA Trgovac and Hendal found 37 percent using tobacco in January, up by 4 percentage points compared to two years prior. Hrvatski Duhani, a company in Virovitica, bought over 4,500 tonnes of tobacco last year, a 41 percent increase from two years ago, paying producers over 20 million euros. The rise is attributed to higher purchase prices attracting more farmers to cultivate tobacco. The reasons for smoking popularity in Croatia are explored.

New Mexico lawmakers are considering raising nicotine product taxes by 40% to discourage youth consumption and increase state revenue. The bill, which passed its first committee vote, targets e-cigarettes and products like Zyn. Supporters believe it will deter young people from buying harmful substances, while opponents argue it may harm convenience stores.

Recent vaping bans in Vietnam, Maldives, and Belgium received praise from health experts and Mothers Against Vaping. Penalties are imposed on tourists carrying vapes in these countries, with fines up to 2 million dong in Vietnam. Australia, India, Turkey, Brazil, and Singapore also restrict vape importation. Vaping, like smoking, involves inhaling aerosol from an e-cigarette with nicotine. Various types of vapes exist, but vaping's harmful effects include brain damage, cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, lung disease chemicals, and mental health issues. Although bans may not eradicate youth access to e-cigarettes, strict enforcement can deter usage. Belgium is the first EU country to outlaw disposable vapes to tackle nicotine addiction.

California lawmakers are proposing a ban on disposable vape sales by 2026 to reduce plastic pollution. The bill aims to address environmental and health concerns linked to single-use vapes, which contain harmful chemicals. Similar bans have been considered in other countries. Local businesses are concerned about the impact on sales and potential smuggling activities. The state has previously implemented regulations on vape sales, especially targeting youth. Advocates stress the health hazards and environmental damage caused by these products. The bill faces opposition but is viewed as a positive step towards addressing the risks associated with disposable vapes.

The European Commission delays revisiting key tobacco directives like TPD, TAD, and TED until at least 2026, despite calls for stricter regulations. Commissioner Hoekstra advocates for tougher measures against smoking and vaping, while industry groups criticize his stance. The World Vapers’ Alliance argues against claims equating vaping to smoking, highlighting its harm reduction potential. Flavor preferences among adult vapers are non-tobacco, with fruit flavors popular. They argue that higher taxes on flavored vapes could deter smokers from switching to safer options. The debate on tobacco and vaping continues, with regulatory changes pending further reviews in the future.

UK's DSM Foundation's survey on 15 to 18-year-olds' substance use reveals nicotine pouches are prevalent among peers, with 46% mentioning them. However, compared to vaping, alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis, pouches rank lower in actual usage. The study highlights the significance of accurate data on youth habits to address concerns effectively. Despite the attention on pouches, regulating their access to minors and discouraging usage remain crucial. The survey aims to inform rather than sensationalize, emphasizing the need for reliable information for informed decision-making among young individuals.

Research in Health Economics suggests that a nationwide ban on menthol cigarettes in the US may lead to more quit attempts among smokers but also fuel an illegal menthol cigarette market. A study involving 639 adult menthol smokers revealed preferences for different smoking cessation methods amid various legal and illegal market scenarios. Results indicate a significant portion of menthol smokers would turn to illegal markets if a prohibition is enforced. The study recommends ensuring access to safer nicotine sources like menthol e-cigarettes if menthol cigarettes are banned. Policymakers should consider these unintended consequences when planning tobacco regulations.

Britain is launching a decade-long study on the long-term effects of vaping on children as young as eight, tracking 100,000 participants aged 8-18. With a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds having tried vaping, the government is tightening regulations, including a ban on disposable vapes from June and restrictions on flavours and packaging. The £62 million study will collect health and behavioural data to assess risks. Concerns include potential lung inflammation and nicotine addiction in young users. Additionally, a nationwide social media campaign aims to educate youth on vaping dangers.

A growing number of young people have mental health needs, but Allen Joseph and Whitney Crenna-Jennings point out that the NHS underestimates waiting times for treatment. The government aims to reduce waiting times for healthcare, with many patients waiting over 18 weeks. Data on young people accessing mental health services is flawed due to imprecise definitions; current statistics may not reflect actual treatment initiation. Inaccurate data hampers resource allocation and reform effectiveness. Reliable data on waiting times are crucial for effective policymaking and improving healthcare access.

Influencers with millions of followers will support a government-funded campaign on YouTube and Instagram to discourage vaping among under-18s due to health risks. There is a significant rise in young people trying vapes, prompting the initiative. Public health minister Ashley Dalton emphasized the importance of clear evidence on the long-term health impacts, especially for youth. Concerns include lung inflammation, asthma triggers, brain development risks, and nicotine addiction. With restrictions proposed in the tobacco and vapes bill, experts warn of potential lifelong health complications for youth who vape, urging prevention to safeguard young lungs and brains further research is ongoing to understand vaping's impact fully.