Stories

Canada implements new cigarette policy requiring individual cigarettes to display warnings such as "poison in every puff" to reduce smoking-related harm. Graphic images on cigarette boxes were mandated in 2001. Smoking on domestic flights was banned in 1994. The government aims to lower the smoking rate to under 5% by 2035. Anti-smoking measures have decreased smoking rates to 10.2%. Despite progress, nearly 50,000 Canadians die annually from smoking-related causes. Research shows warnings increase awareness. The new warnings will be in English and French. Phillip Morris International's Canadian branch supports the initiative.

The future of the U.S. vaping industry hangs in the balance. As Donald Trump prepares to retake the White House, his administration could dismantle FDA red tape and overhaul tobacco harm reduction—or let bureaucracy and big tobacco tighten their grip. In this episode of RegWatch, Brent Stafford interviews Clive Bates, renowned tobacco control policy expert, to unpack what’s at stake for millions of American vapers. Should Trump’s team reform the system—or burn it all down?

Uzbekistan’s parliament has taken initial steps to ban e-cigarettes, following Kyrgyzstan’s similar move in late 2024. A recently approved bill would prohibit the use, import, export, manufacture, and transport of electronic nicotine delivery systems, though its application to foreign tourists remains unclear. The ban is based on health concerns, citing e-cigarettes' harmful chemical compounds and environmental impact. Advocacy groups, like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, highlight their marketing towards children. Kyrgyzstan’s ban is set to take effect in July 2025, joining over two dozen nations worldwide with similar restrictions.

Professor Marewa Glover is a distinguished behavioral scientist and public health advocate from New Zealand, celebrated for her pioneering work in tobacco harm reduction. With over 30 years of experience in tobacco control, her research and advocacy have focused on reducing smoking-related harms, particularly among Indigenous populations, including Māori communities, who face disproportionately high smoking rates.

Pakistan has banned Bloomberg-funded NGOs for illegal activities like embezzlement and lack of government approval, risking money laundering violations. India also took action against Bloomberg NGOs. The WHO, funded by Bloomberg, has stayed silent. Meanwhile, the Philippines and India have faced issues with Bloomberg funding breaching laws. These incidents have led to backlash, such as the Philippines receiving a "Dirty Ashtray Award." The WHO's silence raises concerns about its relationship with Bloomberg and the impact on national sovereignty. Calls for the WHO to condemn such activities and uphold respect for national decisions have emerged.

Nicotine pouches, particularly ZYN, have sparked various discussions and concerns, including ties to conservatism and masculinity. Recent Bloomberg News coverage questions if ZYN's online hype could lead to a downfall similar to Juul's. While comparisons to Big Tobacco's unethical marketing are made, the safety claims of ZYN and Juul are upheld as factual. The article also touches on the diminishing awareness of smoking's health risks as focus shifts to vaping and pouches. User-generated content and influencer reviews are scrutinized, with ZYN standing out for not funding positive coverage. Overall, the text reflects on changing perceptions of smoking-related risks and the impact of independent media on product reputation.

According to recent Eurobarometer data, one in four EU citizens smokes, with the highest rates found in eastern and southeastern Europe. Bulgaria leads with 37% smokers, followed by Greece (36%), Croatia (35%), and Romania (34%). Cyprus ranks seventh at 29%, while Sweden reports the lowest rate (8%), followed by the Netherlands (11%) and Denmark (14%). The survey highlights a gender gap in tobacco use, with 28% of men and 21% of women smoking. Over half of EU citizens (56%) have never smoked. Young men facing financial difficulties, particularly those aged 25-39 (32%), are the most likely to smoke.

Enforcement of the e-cigarette ban in Taiwan has been inadequate since the law was amended in 2023. Only a small percentage of cases resulted in fines, with 1,247 fines issued out of 500,000 cases. These fines were for selling e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and illegal use, indicating a lack of proper enforcement. The presence of "zombie vapes" with anesthetic drugs like etomidate poses further risks to public health. Legislative Yuan is calling for increased inspections and public awareness to prevent the negative impacts of e-cigarettes. The Executive Yuan is collaborating across ministries to strengthen control measures and crack down on e-cigarette-related illegal activities.

Rep. Jerald Raymond is drafting a bill to prevent teens from accessing vaping products containing dangerous drugs like fentanyl. Valley County Coroner Scott Carver highlights an increase in teen deaths linked to vaping illicit substances. Despite existing laws, the rise in fatalities prompts discussions on further restrictions, such as online sale regulations and taxation to deter underage vaping. Lawmakers, including Sen. Mark Harris, are working on gathering support for the legislation. The bill aims to address the alarming trend and minimize teen access to lethal substances through vaping pens.

Youth smoking rates in the United States have plummeted to historic lows—an unprecedented victory in tobacco control. Yet, public health seems oddly silent. Why is this monumental achievement not being celebrated?