Stories

Efforts to combat rising vape use include proposed measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, aiming for a 'smoke-free generation' and crackdown on illegal vapes. However, concerns exist around potential impacts on adult vapers and a surge in the black market. The Bill faces opposition from industry leaders advocating for flavors to aid smoking cessation. VPZ supports youth access restrictions but warns against limiting flavors. The growing crisis sees children exposed to dangerous substances in counterfeit vapes. Recent spike in vape use prompts stricter regulations to curb underage access. Government emphasizes the need to deter youth vaping while supporting adult smokers trying to quit.

The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, passed in 2023, resulted in a surge of 9.5 million new smokers in the Philippines, with 1 million being adolescents. The law was intended to regulate e-cigarettes but inadvertently increased smoking rates. Lung cancer is now a major concern due to vaping, with health experts urging amendments to the law, such as raising the vaping age to 25 and restricting flavors. Various groups oppose the law, viewing it as a retrogressive measure. Urgent action is needed to reverse the harmful effects, including stricter implementation and anti-smoking campaigns covering all tobacco products.

Seeds of public health’s war on vaping were planted decades ago during the fight against secondhand smoke. What began as a strategy to combat smoking has evolved into a campaign of deception—one that distorts science, spreads misinformation, and undermines harm reduction. Joining us again for Part 2 of our special series is Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor of public health at Tufts University and long-time advocate for tobacco harm reduction.

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking during pregnancy, as highlighted by a University of Alberta study. Evidence from global research reveals that e-cigarette use during pregnancy is linked to harmful outcomes for both mothers and babies. Prenatal vaping increases the risk of adverse effects, including low birth weight and preterm birth, which can lead to long-term health issues. The harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes pose risks to fetal development. The study emphasizes the importance of discouraging vaping among pregnant women and calls for further investigation into the dangers of e-cigarettes. Public health campaigns and stricter regulations on e-cigarette sales are recommended based on the research findings.

Uzbekistan has officially banned the circulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including electronic cigarettes and related liquids, with the adoption of a new law by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament), as reported by Trend. This legislation, passed in its third reading, aims to enhance regulations on tobacco and nicotine-related products. The new law imposes a strict ban on the production, storage, transportation, import, and export of electronic nicotine delivery systems in the country.

The community receives special offers and promotions. Many aim to lead a healthier lifestyle in 2025 by quitting unhealthy habits like smoking. Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as a smoke-free alternative. However, fake tobacco products pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of buying from trusted sources. Counterfeit products may contain harmful chemicals and inconsistent nicotine levels, jeopardizing health and efforts to quit smoking. It's crucial to check for authentic packaging, QR codes, and buy from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeit items. Always ensure product legitimacy before use to prevent health complications.

Mexico's vaping prohibition, included in its constitution in 2024, resulted from authoritarian governance and collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies and local NGOs influencing policy. Despite opposition and Supreme Court rulings, the ban passed in a questionable process. President AMLO's personal motives, possibly linked to his son's health, drove this extreme measure. The enforcement may lead to criminal cartel dominance in the vape market. Foreign involvement influenced Mexico's anti-vaping stance, favoring a controversial ban despite limited public support. The prohibition's consequences, including black market risks, await assessment under the new administration. This hasty, authoritarian process reflects a concerning direction in Mexico's policy-making.

Hong Kong authorities plan to ban e-cigarette cartridges in public areas as part of a citywide effort to reduce vaping and smoking rates to 7.8%. The legislative proposals include banning alternative smoking products and flavored cigarettes. Business leaders worry about the impact on tourism and business. The ban is expected to be implemented in two phases, with the first phase prohibiting smoking and possession of smoking-related materials in public places. The second phase will expand the possession ban citywide. Proposals will be presented to the Legislative Council in the first quarter of this year.

CAPHRA is urging Asia Pacific Health Ministries to include consumer perspectives in tobacco policies for the upcoming FCTC COP11 in November 2025. The organization emphasizes stakeholder participation for consumer voices, highlighting the importance of their insights in decision-making. CAPHRA clarifies its independent status and grassroots advocacy for harm reduction in the region, emphasizing evidence-based policies. They aim to represent adult consumers' rights to safer nicotine products and challenge exclusion based on FCTC Article 5.3. CAPHRA advocates for inclusive processes that benefit all citizens.

A recent study published in BMJ Open shows a significant drop in smoking rates in Sweden since the 1980s, matched by a rise in snus usage. By 2022, only 4.5% of Swedes were smokers, with more women switching to snus than men. Sweden's pioneering approach to alternatives like vaping and snus has been credited for its success in reducing smoking. The study, based on surveys of over 13,000 people, highlights the impact of snus on smoking rates. Younger women showed the most significant shift from cigarettes to snus. Sweden reached its smoke-free goal well ahead of the EU target, with much lower tobacco-related health issues compared to the rest of Europe.