Stories

An anti-smoking advocate says the seizure of tens of thousands of dollars worth of illegal tobacco across regional Western Australia shows more needs to be done to combat the state's black market trade. Police seized thousands of cigarettes and vapes in raids across Bunbury, Manjimup and Geraldton last week. The raids, by detectives from the organised crime squad, netted more than 200,000 cigarettes, 16,000 vapes, 162 kilograms of illegal tobacco and $55,950 in cash. Police say the investigation into the seizures is ongoing.

The 11th Global Forum on Nicotine in Warsaw brought together global experts to discuss harm reduction in tobacco use. Prof Dr Fal highlighted the health toll of smoking and the challenges of quitting. Discussions emphasized safer alternatives like e-cigarettes and policy innovations to reduce harm. Success stories, like Sweden's low smoking rates due to promoting 'snus', showcased effective harm reduction strategies. The forum concluded with a call for evidence-based policies and international cooperation to combat tobacco-related health issues effectively.

Fiona Patten, David Sweanor and Ethan Nadelmann joins us in the first episode of this years GFN Voices series.

Derek Yach responds to criticisms about transparency of interests raised by Tess Legg and Anna B. Gilmore in The Lancet regarding his article on tobacco harm reduction. Yach clarifies the independence of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World from the tobacco industry, now led by an anti-smoking advocate. He disputes claims that tobacco companies have fully transitioned away from combustible cigarettes based on the 2022 Tobacco Transformation Index. Yach suggests that collaborations with the tobacco industry, under regulation, could enhance tobacco harm reduction efforts, akin to successful partnerships in pharmaceuticals. This inclusive approach could provide smokers with safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

A study by NBER examined the impact of vape flavor bans on smoking and youth vaping rates in the USA. Eight states implemented temporary or permanent bans from October 2019 to July 2020. Results showed minimal decline in banned flavor use for youths and adults, but an increase in smoking rates, especially among young adults. Despite the intended effects, flavor restrictions may lead to unintended consequences, with a 1-3% increase in combustible cigarette smoking. The study suggests that the bans may have negative tobacco-related health consequences. Access to banned flavors through alternative sources and black markets may have influenced the post-ban trends.

New Jersey's 2020 ban on flavored e-cigarettes led to a decline in sales of flavored vapes, while menthol e-cigarette sales increased pre-ban. Following the ban, sales dropped rapidly, then slowed. Flavored cigar sales rose initially but later declined, and cigarette sales increased post-ban. Research conducted by Hrywna, Teotia, Miller Lo, Giovenco, and Delnevo analyzed sales data from before and after the ban, showing various trends in e-cigarette, cigar, and cigarette sales in New Jersey. The study suggests a connection between flavor bans and changes in smoking rates. Readers can contact MPs to advocate for the importance of flavors in smoking cessation.

Hong Kong is planning to propose stricter tobacco laws and implement control measures to reduce smoking. The Health Bureau intends to impose 10 short-term control measures to create a “tobacco-free Hong Kong.” This includes the total ban on “alternative smoking products,” the government’s term for e-cigarettes or vapes. In recent years, new laws have prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes “for commercial purposes” and smoking products to minors. The Health Bureau’s suggested control measures will further extend these existing laws and propose new ones. Keep reading to find out the full control measures.

A study analyzed the low prevalence of nicotine pouch use in U.S. adults despite a 641% increase in sales. Nicotine pouches, a new tobacco product, have raised concerns about attracting youth users. Some adults use them as an alternative to quit smoking, but data on adult use is limited. Research found 2.9% of adults in a sample ever used pouches, with 0.4% current users. Majority of pouch users also smoke cigarettes. Regulators are reviewing pouches for potential risks, like increased nicotine dependence among youth. The study suggests adults may not be using pouches to quit smoking effectively. Researchers are investigating adolescent pouch use and its relation to other nicotine products.

Upon arriving at Washington State Penitentiary in 1995, tobacco was prevalent in prisons, but a smoking ban was looming. By 2004, tobacco became contraband, leading to increased enforcement and penalties. Smuggled tobacco triggered investigations and solitary confinement. The ban shifted the market to synthetic cannabinoids like Spice, as they mimicked smoking cigarettes. Possessing tobacco resulted in punishments, but smuggling could lead to criminal prosecution. Tobacco prohibition in prisons changed the market, highlighting the Iron Law of Prohibition. As tobacco use declined, Spice emerged due to its similarity to cigarette smoking. The next part of the story will be released soon.

A study on 1777 US children aged 3-11 compared nicotine absorption from secondhand smoke and e-cigarette vapor. Results showed 83.6% lower absorption for vapor vs smoke, and 96.7% lower for those with no exposure. The study emphasized the importance of reducing children's exposure to nicotine by switching from smoking to vaping indoors. The research used data from the US NHANES survey, highlighting the need to understand children's exposure to secondhand vapor. The findings suggest vaping indoors significantly reduces exposure, while exposure to smoke remains more harmful. Limitations include potential bias and changing vaping trends. The study aims to raise awareness of the risks and impact of secondhand exposure on children.