Stories

Dr. Marewa Glover's efforts to reduce smoking in New Zealand led to a significant decrease by promoting safer nicotine products. The government's support for vaping and harm reduction strategies contributed to this success. In contrast, Australia's stricter policies have resulted in a slower decline in smoking rates. Dr. Glover's work with Indigenous communities, especially Māori, has led to substantial progress in reducing smoking prevalence, with many switching to vaping. She emphasizes the importance of policies that consider marginalized groups and opposes heavy tobacco taxes that harm vulnerable populations. The New Zealand government's approach includes risk-proportionate taxation and support for vaping products.

The sale of single-use disposable vapes in England and Wales will be banned from next June to protect children and the environment, with Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow. Restrictions on flavors and colors aim to reduce underage vaping. However, the ban may boost illicit vaping products, possibly containing harmful chemicals.

The Irish government's sudden announcement of vape flavour bans, a ban on single use devices and huge tax hikes has shocked advocates. There is outrage because the public consultation had not demonstrated support for these measures. Filter's Will Godfrey reports on these policy developments and the reactions from advocates.

Tobacco use remains a major global public health challenge, causing over 8 million deaths annually. Despite anti-smoking efforts, 1.1 billion people still smoke, especially in low-income countries. Sweden's success in becoming smoke-free involved public health campaigns and safer nicotine alternatives. Nigeria could benefit from adopting a harm reduction strategy, as not all smokers can quit. Safer alternatives like nicotine vapes can reduce smoking-related diseases. This approach saves lives and healthcare costs. Collaborative efforts are crucial in regulating and promoting these alternatives. By following Sweden's lead, Nigeria could achieve a smoke-free future and improve public health outcomes.

Canada’s three major cigarette producers have offered $32.5 billion to settle lawsuits filed by provincial governments and smokers. The author argues that the plaintiffs should accept the offer. Although Big Tobacco’s harmful history might warrant ongoing punishment, the focus should be on helping smokers quit cigarettes, even if they switch to lower-risk nicotine options. The settlement amount is small compared to government revenue from cigarette taxes, which are very high to offset health costs and discourage smoking. Since the 1990s, Canada has collected about $250 billion in cigarette taxes. In contrast, the U.S. “Master Settlement” was $250 billion in a much larger economy with lower tobacco taxes.

The emergence of vapes with screens, featuring animations like moving flames and stars, poses a risk of attracting kids to the potentially addictive devices. The trend, driven by vape companies seeking novel features, could undermine progress in curbing youth vaping rates achieved through public health campaigns. The screens, which stimulate dopamine release, may increase cravings for the products. While vapes can aid smoking cessation, screens primarily offer entertainment value and raise concerns about marketing to youth. As the industry faces scrutiny, the focus remains on balancing innovation with safeguarding against enticing young users through unnecessary features.

One candidate, former President Donald Trump, announced in September that he “saved vaping” in 2019 and vows to do it again if elected to a second term. Yet, some remain unconvinced, given Trump’s mixed record on vaping. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has no personal track record on vaping, but the Democratic Party certainly does—and much of it is concerning for the industry. Flavor bans, teen vaping hysteria, misinformation, and distorted science have characterized the Democratic stance on vaping. Would a Harris presidency lead to a turnaround in the party and potentially at the FDA? Joining us today to unpack the promises and pitfalls of each candidate is Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association.

Mexico's president plans to constitutionally ban vapes by 2025 to curb their black market, mostly controlled by organized crime. With 1.7 million users, a legal and illegal market exists, with dangerous unregulated products. Critics fear a ban will worsen issues and empower crime further, hurting public health and tax revenue. Advocates suggest regulating vapes like tobacco to ensure safety and revenue. The ban, addressing youth vaping, may lead to unintended consequences. Vape regulation is a proposed alternative to reduce harm effectively. Organized crime profits billions from the illicit vape trade.

Jersey is considering a ban on disposable vapes under single-use plastics law by April 2025. The proposed ban aims to curb youth usage and reduce environmental impact due to low recycling rates. Constable Andy Jehan raised these concerns in the States Assembly, pushing for the updated legislation.

Youth smoking in the US is at an all-time low, but the public focus remains on vaping. Professor Kenneth Warner highlights this discrepancy in a paper questioning why the decline isn't celebrated more. Misconceptions linking nicotine vapes to cigarettes' harm persist, hindering recognition of reduced youth smoking rates as a public health success. Social norms and policies have primarily driven the decline, but e-cigarettes likely accelerated it since the mid-2010s. The decline in youth smoking contributes to longer life expectancies and reduced demand for cancer treatment, though care for older populations may increase.