Stories

Philip Morris International subsidiary Swedish Match North America is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in Virginia, accusing it of overcharging U.S. consumers for Zyn nicotine pouches. The lawsuit alleges Swedish Match violated antitrust laws to gain an 80% market share, including actions to eliminate rival Dryft. The plaintiff claims the company sells its nicotine pouches at around $6 per tin while monopolizing the market.

Italy and Romania criticize the EU proposal to ban vaping in public spaces, stating it lacks a solid scientific basis. They plan to ignore parts they disagree with in the recommendation to EU members. The lack of an adequate impact assessment is also criticized. They emphasize the importance of consensus and proper consideration of national concerns. Italy and Romania argue that the broad measures for outdoor areas lack scientific backing and legal foundation. The adopted recommendation does not impose legal obligations on member states and should not set regulatory precedents for tobacco policy discussions. Both countries maintain political concerns about certain recommendations.

This week, Sweden moved closer to becoming "smoke-free," with a smoking rate of 5.3%. According to the World Health Organization, a country is considered smoke-free if the smoking rate is under 5%. Given Sweden's current trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before they reach this goal. Sweden is the only European country where lung cancer is not the leading cause of cancer death. In contrast, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Canada. Canada aims to reduce its smoking rate to below 5% by 2035, which would mean reducing the number of smokers from 4.6 million in 2022 to fewer than 1.8 million by 2035.

Mexico is moving towards incorporating a vape ban into its constitution by the end of 2024. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the necessity of this reform. Despite existing restrictions on vapes, a gray market still thrives. The proposed constitutional amendment aims to eliminate this ambiguity. Concerns over health impacts, especially related to youth usage, are driving this decision. Advocates fear that the ban will lead to increased smoking rates and illicit market expansion, potentially fueling violence. Critics argue for education programs and regulation as alternatives to prohibition. This move is seen as a violation of personal autonomy and human rights.

Imperial Brands saw a 26% surge in e-cigarette sales, reaching £8.2 billion revenue with growing popularity of vape products like Blu. Traditional cigarettes still dominate sales despite a decrease in smokers. Their next generation products (NGPs) division showed a 43% decrease in losses. The company expects slow growth in tobacco and NGP revenue for the upcoming year. The rise in vaping helped boost overall operating profit by 4.6%. Despite increasing anti-smoking regulations and taxes worldwide, Imperial Brands aims to challenge the industry with its vape products. Analysts predict a positive outlook, but acknowledge vaping remains a loss-making sector for now.

The federal government introduced the OurFutures anti-vaping program in schools nationwide to combat the rise in youth vaping. Developed by experts, the program educates students on vaping risks through online lessons. Trials show positive initial results, reducing vaping intentions. Tailored sessions aim to prevent long-term vaping among young people. However, sustained effects remain uncertain. The program is part of a broader strategy to address youth vaping, aligning with Australia's strict vaping regulations and efforts to limit vape accessibility. While crucial, school-based programs require additional support and societal measures to discourage vaping among youth effectively.

The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey found a decrease in teen tobacco use, though over 2 million still use products like e-cigarettes, with 38% using it frequently. Strategies like Tobacco 21 laws and The Real Cost campaign have helped reduce teen tobacco use. Nicotine pouches are a growing concern, with sales increasing, and new e-cigarettes resembling gaming devices are alarming. Nicotine addiction can harm adolescents' brain development, affecting their future goals. Parents need to be aware of the addictive nature of these products and provide support to prevent addiction. The fight against teen tobacco use continues despite progress.

Tobacco and e-cigarette use in pregnancy raises public health concerns, with risks like premature birth. Dual use prevalence is 4.6%, but high study heterogeneity requires further exploration. Factors influencing variability include country differences, data collection methods, smoking definitions, and sample sizes. Smoking affects newborn health, while e-cigarettes' risks include fetal harm and potential exposure to toxic substances. E-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool for pregnant women face mixed views. While they may be a safer alternative to traditional smoking, concerns exist about their effects and potential for nicotine dependence.

Public focus on youth vaping often overshadows older adults who have switched from smoking to vaping. While data on older vapers is limited compared to youth, around 1% in the US and 5.8% in the UK over 55 vape. Vapers like Alan Beard, 71, and Darcy Mackenzie, 67, share success stories of quitting smoking. Studies indicate vaping is safer than smoking, even in secondhand exposure. Older adults' switch to vaping can reduce health risks and fire incidents. However, outdated policies and misconceptions hinder wider adoption. Educating older adults on harm reduction and promoting vaping can significantly benefit this population worldwide.

Vapes are increasingly sneaking into Australian convenience stores, fueling a market controlled by organized crime. Despite government bans on disposable vapes, seizures have almost quadrupled. The illicit vape market, worth over $2 billion annually, poses health risks and addiction, especially among young Australians. The government struggles to regulate vapes, facing backlash from pharmacists and escalating youth consumption. Illicit trade in vapes drives turf wars and profits criminal activities. Concerns over health impacts and rising addiction rates prompt stricter regulations. Unauthorized sales of vapes persist despite crackdowns.