Stories

A study published in BMC Medicine, funded by Cancer Research UK, shows an increasing number of ex-smokers are using vapes to quit smoking, especially among younger age groups and heavy drinkers. Data from England between 2013 and 2024 indicates a rise in vaping among those who quit smoking over a year ago, reaching 20% in 2024. Vapes were used in 41% of quit smoking attempts in 2024, up from 27% in 2013. While vaping aids smoking cessation, concerns arise about long-term use post-quitting. Vaping has been the most successful aid in quitting smoking, with 53% successfully quitting, as per ASH research.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Seoul supports a legislative proposal for health warnings on e-cigarettes. Various Bills aim to amend tobacco regulations to include e-cigarettes, addressing marketing and tax loopholes. Proposed changes include warning labels on devices and advertising restrictions to reduce appeal to youth. Despite e-cigarettes' popularity, regulations struggle to keep pace. Youth e-cigarette use has increased, with many transitioning to regular cigarettes. The Ministry's endorsement signifies a move towards stricter controls on new tobacco products.

The UK is aiming to eradicate smoking with a bill proposing to raise the legal smoking age gradually to prevent tobacco-related cancers. MPs are urged to support the bill as Cancer Research UK highlights the alarming impact of smoking and the thousands of preventable cancer cases. The bill also targets vaping restrictions to curb appeal to youth. Statistics show the urgent need for action, with thousands of cancer cases attributed to smoking daily. Passing this bill could save lives and reduce healthcare strain. The public health initiative is crucial in combatting tobacco addiction and improving overall well-being, with potential significant health benefits for future generations.

Over 400,000 Nigerian lives could be saved by integrating safer nicotine products like vapes into tobacco control. Current tobacco-related deaths in Nigeria are high, but by adopting tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies, annual death toll could decrease to 7,600 by 2060. Successful THR implementation in countries like the UK and Sweden has reduced smoking rates. Leading health experts urge Nigerian policymakers to introduce THR products to save lives and improve public health. By offering less harmful alternatives, Nigeria can make significant progress in tobacco control. Embracing THR is crucial for Nigeria to lower tobacco-related diseases and set an example for Africa. For more information on THR success, visit www.smokefreesweden.org.

The UK will ban disposable vapes from June 2025, sparking concerns of a growing black market. Vape Superstore's survey reveals that many vapers will stock up before the ban, and some may turn to the black market or return to smoking. The Government justifies the ban to protect youth, but it may push adults back to smoking. Encouraging the shift to refillable vapes can help mitigate negative impacts. Additionally, there are worries about a potential ban on sweet e-liquid flavors. Vape Superstore aims to guide vapers towards sustainable options like refillable vapes. Overall, the ban's impact on adult vapers and the vaping market remains uncertain.

Kyrgyzstan will ban vapes starting mid-2025, with fines up to $115 for users and penalties reaching $750 for sellers. Importers may face corrective labor, fines of up to $1,390, or imprisonment up to two years for large quantities. President Japarov signed the law to protect public health.

Spain's government seeks public feedback on a ban proposal for flavored vapes, part of the 'Anti-Tobacco Plan' targeting products harmful to youths. The decree requires labeling of vapes sans nicotine, warning of health risks. More restrictions cover tobacco products, public smoking areas, and suggestions like banning smoking in vehicles with children. Concerns about a black market surge arise while Spain faces high smoking rates. Advocates fear the ban will hinder smoking cessation, citing flavored vapes' effectiveness. Vaping is popular in Spain, but smoking-related deaths remain high. Public can participate by emailing opinions until December 13, 2024.

A study by UC San Diego found that many online vape sellers do not comply with regulations to prevent sales to minors. Out of 156 transactions tested, 73% were processed and 67% were delivered, violating laws on age verification and flavor restrictions. The study highlighted challenges in enforcing regulations on online vape sales, urging more oversight to protect youth from accessing vaping products easily. The findings suggest a need for stricter enforcement and monitoring of online retailers to prevent underage sales. The study also underlined the significant growth of online e-cigarette sales, emphasizing the necessity for improved regulation in this sector.

Vaping, even without nicotine, can immediately affect blood vessels, reducing oxygen levels and potentially causing vascular disease. E-cigarette aerosols contain harmful substances, impacting the body's vascular function. A study compared smokers, vapers, and non-users, revealing reduced blood flow velocity and oxygen saturation post-vaping. The findings underscore the need for further research and regulatory action on e-cigarette products. Despite misconceptions, e-cigarettes pose risks due to their chemical components, affecting lung and vascular health. Vaping, both with and without nicotine, may lead to inflammation and broader health consequences similar to air pollution exposure.

A recent survey by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation indicates a decline in teenage vaping rates but still highlights concerns. While 12% of 10 to 18-year-olds vape weekly, down from 27% in 2021, younger students are being exposed. Of worry is the 3.7% of 10 to 12-year-olds and about 9% of 13 to 15-year-olds vaping. However, older students' vaping is increasing, with 20% of 15 to 16-year-olds and 26% of 17 to 18-year-olds reporting weekly vaping, suggesting nicotine addiction. Efforts are underway to regulate vaping, given its negative health impacts, disparities among different ethnicities, and government initiatives to curb youth vaping through stricter laws.