Stories

Vaping surpasses smoking in the UK, with 5.4 million adults using vapes compared to 4.9 million smoking cigarettes in 2024. Daily vape use is popular among 25-49-year-olds and rising among women. The NHS states vaping poses fewer risks than smoking due to fewer harmful chemicals. Currently, 10% of UK adults use e-cigarettes, slightly more than smokers. Efforts to reduce smoking include bans on indoor smoking, smoking in cars with children, plain cigarette packaging, and future legislation prohibiting tobacco sales to those born after 2009. Concerns about vapes appealing to children have led to plans for stricter packaging rules. Usage among 16-24-year-olds has slightly decreased from 2023.

Social worker and health policy advocate Angelica Cabrera discusses the growing movement for tobacco harm reduction across Latin America. She shares regional experiences, challenges, and success stories that highlight how alternative nicotine products could transform public health outcomes — if supported by science-based policies.

There are three disturbing things about Dr. Glantz's presentation. Dr. Glantz misrepresents the scientific evidence, as extensive clinical research shows that switching from smoking to vaping leads to significant health improvements, including better respiratory symptoms and lung function; millions of people have experienced these benefits, and while dual use offers fewer gains than complete switching, there is no credible evidence that it increases harm, making claims that e-cigarettes worsen health scientifically unfounded and irresponsible.

The Maldives has introduced a unique smoking ban for individuals born after January 2007, making it the only country with such a generational prohibition on tobacco. The measure took effect on 1 November to safeguard public health and create a tobacco-free generation. The ban encompasses all tobacco products and applies to residents and visitors alike. Violators face fines, with retailers required to verify age before selling. The Maldives also prohibits e-cigarettes and vaping products. In comparison, the UK is still considering a similar ban, while New Zealand repealed theirs just under a year after its introduction in November 2023.

Five London boroughs, including Ealing, Croydon, Barking, Harrow, and Camden, show high smoking rates per ONS data. Ealing stands out with a 22% rate, 92% above the national average. Harrow and Bromley have doubled rates in a year. Despite concerns, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, and Richmond upon Thames feature the lowest rates. Nationally, smoking remains at 11.9%, the lowest since 2011. Vaping is noted as a safer quitting tool, but negative perceptions may hinder progress. Education on vaping risks versus benefits is urged to address rising smoking rates in specific areas as per Vape Club’s findings.

Juul Labs is undergoing a strategic reset in response to underage vaping concerns in the US, including settlements and regulatory challenges. They are focusing on the Juul2 platform with enhanced features and age verification checks to deter underage use. Despite criticism, Juul remains committed to harm reduction for adult smokers. The tobacco industry has historically faced hurdles in innovation due to regulatory and communication barriers, hindering harm reduction alternatives. This cycle of demonization has impeded progress in reducing harm from smoking. Restricting safer options while allowing conventional cigarettes to dominate perpetuates harm and limits consumer choice. The need for a shift towards harm reduction and policies supporting innovation is crucial in public health efforts.

In Kenya, there is high awareness of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) with 85% of respondents believing that promoting safer alternatives can help smokers quit traditional cigarettes. Additionally, 63% feel the government should conduct campaigns to encourage the switch to safer alternatives, recognizing the public health benefits.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the UK aims to end tobacco sales to those born after 2009, with stricter regulations on nicotine products. The Bill faces criticism for misrepresenting international examples in debates. New Zealand's repeal of tobacco measures is linked to industry interference, not effectiveness issues. Australia's illicit tobacco market issues stem from weak enforcement, not regulation. Sweden's success in tobacco control is attributed to comprehensive policies, not just snus use. The UK Bill aims to regulate new nicotine products like pouches and address marketing to minors. Utilizing accurate international evidence is crucial for effective public health policy. Parliamentary debates impact global tobacco control approaches.

The European Commission is collecting feedback on a proposal to tax new nicotine products, causing concern in Sweden. The Swedish Snus Association opposes the tax hike, arguing it may hinder smoking reduction efforts. Over 13,000 European comments have been submitted, with many Swedes warning against increased prices for nicotine pouches. Users stress the importance of snus in reducing smoking rates and suggest taxing products based on risk level. Danish and French users agree, emphasizing the need for realistic alternatives and harm reduction. Concerns include potential black market growth and negative impact on national strategies to reduce smoking.

“Challenging Perceptions” — hear voices from around the world on how to communicate tobacco harm reduction effectively. From researchers to advocates, GFN 2025 brought powerful insights on evidence, empathy, and engagement.