Stories

E-cigarettes remain the tobacco product most used by children in the United States, but their use has declined significantly, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that smoking e-cigarettes, or vapes, has declined among middle and high school students. E-cigarette use has gone from 2.13 million students in 2023, to 1.63 million in 2024. Vaping still remains a significant issue, with 2.5 percent of middle schoolers reporting that they use e-cigarettes, meaning that children as young as 11 years old are starting to use nicotine products.

Social workers can play a crucial role in reducing smoking rates among vulnerable groups, offering support for tobacco harm reduction. The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction emphasizes the importance of training social workers to address smoking issues and provide cessation support. By integrating harm reduction strategies and brief interventions, social workers can empower clients to make positive changes for their health. However, amidst challenging workloads, additional support, resources, and training are needed. Ultimately, promoting tobacco harm reduction aligns with the goals and motivations of many in the social work profession and can have a significant impact on public health.

In today's GFN Voices episode, Kurt Yeo explore the crucial relationship between economics, health, and tobacco harm reduction. With a focus on South Africa, we delve into the burden tobacco places on public health, the economic challenges it creates, and how harm reduction strategies could be the key to a healthier future.

The CDC released early findings from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey focusing on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. E-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students hit record lows, with only 5.9% currently using them, down significantly from 2019. Nicotine pouch use is also low, with 1.8% of students reporting current use in 2024. Concerns over youth safety in schools, like weapon threats, are more pressing than nicotine product use. The data show a need for expedited approval of harm reduction products by federal regulators, considering the potential benefits for adults using these products for smoking cessation.

New rules stopping convenience stores from selling nicotine pouches have left many Canadians scrambling to find the product. On August 28, the federal government stopped the sale of nicotine pouches in convenience stores and banned flavours. They can only be sold behind the counter in pharmacies. Users have found it difficult to find the nicotine pouches, as many pharmacies do not have them in stock yet. In Calgary, smokers who use the pouches to quit are having trouble finding them.

Advocates and scientists highlight the need for further research on nicotine's therapeutic potential, separate from tobacco-related diseases. Stressing the benefits of nicotine for stress and mood management, experts urge transitioning smokers to safer options like heated tobacco products and vapes to reduce harm. Emphasizing the complexity of nicotine's effects, specialists discuss its impact on brain function and advocate for nuanced understanding rather than a simplistic good or bad categorization. The aim is to reduce smoking-related deaths and improve public health worldwide by promoting harm reduction through alternatives to traditional tobacco use.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison urged over 5,000 retailers to cease selling unauthorized flavored tobacco products, emphasizing the harm to minors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports stricter tobacco regulations. Vaping among youths is present in ISD 518, with a focus on prevention through social and emotional learning in schools and communities. Programs like My Life, My Quit offer support for quitting vaping. Educators stress early intervention and education as crucial in combating the youth vaping issue. Proactive measures, including youth coalitions and community involvement, are seen as essential.

Deputy Commissioner Haripur has banned e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine products in the district under Section 144 for 90 days starting September 6, 2024. Restrictions include banning their use in public transport and spaces, prohibiting promotion through media, selling to individuals under 21, and storage within 100 meters of certain places. Meanwhile, the Sindh government has also imposed a ban on items used for drug consumption in Karachi, with penalties under Section 188 PPC. The Senate Standing Committee approved the Cannabis Authority Bill after a four-year delay, facing disagreements over clauses during the meeting.

The UKVIA supports Baroness Merrion's push for a vape licensing scheme to tackle youth vaping. The scheme seeks to enforce regulations, penalizing retailers selling illicit products or to under 18s. Baroness Walmsey also advocates for fines for illegal vape sales. The industry believes the proposed scheme could raise funds for enforcement without burdening the Treasury. Amendments to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill are being considered. Director General John Dunne urges for robust licensing to combat youth vaping effectively, emphasizing the importance of preventing illegal products in the UK market. Collaboration with ministers is anticipated to address regulatory gaps.