Stories

A study by researchers from USC, Keck School of Medicine, and UC Irvine reveals harmful effects of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes on cardiovascular health. Nicotine from both types damages blood vessels and heart function. The research used a fluid dynamics method to assess cardiovascular impact and calls attention to vaping's adverse effects. A smartphone tool for assessing risk in e-cigarette users is being developed. This innovative approach may revolutionize cardiovascular health monitoring. The study highlights the urgent need for awareness and informed choices regarding vaping and traditional smoking.

The Spanish government plans to ban disposable vapes and flavored e-cigarettes due to health and environmental concerns, aiming to reduce smoking rates. Advocates argue for flavored vaping products as effective tools for smoking cessation. Despite claims of disposable vapes being a 'gateway' to smoking, evidence suggests otherwise. Secretary Padilla outlined upcoming legislation changes to address public health issues and expand smoke-free areas by early 2025. Over half a million Spaniards vape, representing 1.3% of adults, whereas smoking affects nearly 28% of adults, leading to over 57,000 smoking-related deaths yearly. Discussions on these developments took place during a recent meeting in Madrid.

Public health policies are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of communities, particularly in low and middle-income regions like Africa, where social, political, environmental, and economic conditions create numerous health vulnerabilities. The challenges range from infectious diseases like Ebola virus disease, yellow fever, tuberculosis, malaria, and cholera to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and cancers, which are often exacerbated by high-risk behaviors like tobacco use.

Smoking rates among young adults in the UK have significantly decreased over the past decade. In 2023, 11.6% of adults in England smoked, down from 20% in 2011. E-cigarette use is on the rise, especially among 16-24 year-olds. Legislation is being developed to make England "smoke free" by 2030. While e-cigarettes can help smokers quit, the long-term health effects, especially for non-smokers, remain unclear. Tighter regulations on e-cigarette marketing and sales, as well as a ban on disposable vapes, are planned to deter use by teenagers. Although vaping is less harmful than smoking, non-smokers are cautioned against starting.

The latest Briefing Paper from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), a project from public health agency Knowledge·Action·Change (K·A·C), focuses on the remarkable shift from smoking to vaping that has taken place in the United Kingdom in recent years. “A smokefree UK? How research, policy and vapes have cut smoking rates” explores some of the reasons behind the UK’s rapid and growing embrace of vaping, and provides another important case study showcasing the potential of tobacco harm reduction through the adoption of safer nicotine products (SNP), following our recent Briefing Paper on the effect heated tobacco products have had in Japan.

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates criticizes New Zealand's plan to ban closed vaping systems, arguing it hinders harm reduction progress and may lead ex-smokers back to cigarettes. The proposal neglects consumer choice, disproportionately impacting older users and those with dexterity issues. The focus on restrictions overlooks key issues like youth access and smoking cessation. CAPHRA stresses the need for evidence-based policies, urging a reevaluation in favor of education, enforcement, and transparent communication. The group advocates for access to regulated harm reduction products to combat smoking-related diseases in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2019, Trump claimed he saved flavored vaping, but his policies led to a flood of disposable vapes. He also made it difficult to ship vapes and added to legal uncertainties for vapers. While some populists support safer nicotine products, the center-left has alienated vapers, accusing them of links to big tobacco. This stance has driven vapers towards right-wing parties. The left's reluctance to embrace harm reduction contrasts with the right's support for vapers' concerns, impacting political outcomes. The center-left's opposition to vaping overlooks its benefits for marginalized groups and undermines harm reduction efforts.

French tobacco harm reduction faces challenges despite high smoking rates. Activists united to produce the white paper "Merci la vape," advocating for vaping benefits and fighting misinformation. Backed by crowdfunding, it includes a major survey revealing the impact of vaping on smoking cessation. Efforts include a petition against proposed anti-vape measures. The European Commission’s support for a disposable vape ban in France raises concerns. Philip Poirson of Sovape explains the goals behind the initiative, aiming to inform policymakers and change harmful regulations. Despite opposition and negative press, they aim to influence tobacco harm reduction policies positively.

We spent the day in Minister of Health Mark Holland's riding to investigate his decision to ban flavoured Zonnic nicotine pouches, a licensed cessation product, and move it behind pharmacy counters. Our goal was to see if other nicotine pouches were available within 10 km of Minister Holland's riding—and you’ll be surprised at what we found. At Rights 4 Vapers, we believe adults, especially smokers, should have easy access to Tobacco Harm Reduction products. Watch to see what we uncovered and why this matters for public health.

The Office for National Statistics reports an increase in daily e-cigarette use among young adults in Great Britain. In 2023, 9.8% of adults vaped, with significant increases among women aged 16-24. While vaping aids smoking cessation, experts are concerned about its popularity among youth. Smoking rates have decreased, with 11.9% of UK adults smoking in 2023, lower among the younger population. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to regulate e-cigarette marketing and sales. The government emphasizes the harm reduction potential of vaping while addressing smoking-related health and economic burdens. Ash advocates for smoke-free measures and smoking cessation support for the six million smokers in the UK.