Stories

Ireland's new tax of 50 cents per milliliter on vaping products is concerning health experts who advocate for harm reduction. The high levy surpasses the EU average and could deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives like vaping, unlike Sweden's successful approach. Sweden has significantly reduced smoking rates by promoting alternatives like snus and vapes. Irish public opinion is against the tax increase, with fears it may lead consumers to buy products from abroad. The tax, expected to be €2.50 per 10ml in Ireland, accompanies a ban on disposable vapes and flavors. This decision contrasts with Sweden's progress towards becoming smoke-free.

Despite a total ban on vapes in Brazil, even the authorities are confused about the precise regulations prohibiting vapes. Meanwhile consumers fight for regulation that will combat the risk of contraband vapes in the country. Joining us today is Alexandro Lucian, a journalist, specialist researcher in THR and president of Direta, a non-governmental consumers organisation focused on tobacco harm reduction, to bring us all the latest updates from Brazil!

Dr. Mark Eisenberg successfully helped a smoking patient quit by switching to vaping, but the patient later struggled with e-cigarette addiction. Vaping lacks established cessation methods, despite attracting many users. Concerns arise about e-cigarettes addicting new generations to nicotine. Addiction to vaping can be stronger than to cigarettes due to continuous and high levels of nicotine exposure. Breakthroughs in vaping cessation tools are emerging, with medications like cytisinicline showing promise in reducing cravings and pleasure from vaping. While some individuals turn to nicotine pouches for quitting, the long-term effects remain unclear. More research and specialized tools are needed to address the vaping addiction crisis effectively.

Proposed vape laws could endanger retail workers, say dairy owners. The legislation includes visibility restrictions on vape sales, bans on disposable vapes and increased fines for selling to minors. Ash Parmar of the Dairy and Business Owners's Group expressed concerns to MPs about potential robberies and violence due to restricted access to vapes. He warned that hiding products like tobacco could lead to more aggressive crimes. Parmar criticized the government's approach, fearing increased threats to dairies and their workers. The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is under review by the Health Select Committee and expected to be reported on in March.

Vaping, popular for smoking cessation, especially among youth, is linked to cardiovascular issues. A study by UC Irvine researchers reveals vaping disrupts blood flow regulation, posing heart disease risks. Inhaled particles from vaping are linked to heart problems. Researchers stress reducing nicotine exposure through e-cigarettes for heart health. APHEL's study emphasizes the need for public health policies to limit inhaled nicotine risks. By simulating exposure in animal models, researchers found vaping with nicotine harms heart function. This study underscores the importance of understanding environmental toxins' impact on heart health for safer communities.

Jerry Otero, a harm reduction advocate in New York City, highlights the importance of harm reduction for tobacco users. With over two decades of experience, he supports vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Otero emphasizes the need for honest information and choices, encouraging marginalized individuals to switch to vapes for a safer option. He believes in respecting individual preferences and challenges policymakers to prioritize factual information over prohibition. His firsthand experience with vaping has shaped his advocacy for informed decision-making and acceptance in harm reduction practices.

Riccardo Polosa is a professor of internal medicine at the university of Catania. He is a leading scientist in the field of tobacco harm reduction and promotes high standards in research on the health effects of vaping. He is the founder of the Center of Excellence for the acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR). In this interview, he explains why acute effects of vaping are not relevant for the assessment of health risks and gives an outlook on new studies.

Washington State allows Extended Family Visits (EFV), despite evidence showing benefits of family bonding for prisoners. However, the state's policy banning nicotine products like vapes poses challenges for visitors and prisoners. This restriction leads to missed opportunities for family connections and worsens re-entry prospects. The policy's inflexibility contrasts with the goal of supporting families impacted by incarceration. Relaxing these rules could ease stress for visitors and strengthen family bonds. The current anti-nicotine policy creates barriers to successful reintegration, highlighting the need for change in Washington's Department of Corrections.

Youth use of oral nicotine products is rising slightly but remains low compared to e-cigarettes. Public health campaigns against products like Zyn are criticized for potentially limiting safer alternatives for smokers and focusing on minor issues. Despite concerns about youth use, oral nicotine products like Zyn are less harmful than combustible cigarettes and could reduce smoking rates. The focus should be on harm reduction rather than alarmist campaigns. Data shows the effectiveness of harm reduction products like snus in lowering smoking rates. The American Lung Association's stance against oral nicotine products contradicts harm reduction science.

The Public Health Ministry aims to rehabilitate 20,000 young vape users to combat the widespread use of e-cigarettes among teenagers. Minister Somsak Thepsutin's plan includes hospital screenings to bring smokers into the rehabilitation system. Concerns raised by Senator Premsak Piayura highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, with statistics showing a significant rise in underage vaping. The ministry's framework focuses on monitoring, law enforcement, and awareness campaigns to tackle the problem effectively. Additionally, a joint committee has been formed to enforce regulations, resulting in the seizure of over 60,000 vaping products.