Stories

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) celebrates World Vape Day on May 30, 2024, urging global leaders to recognize safer nicotine products' life-saving potential. CAPHRA highlights the WHO's misleading stance on vaping despite scientific evidence and calls for a shift towards harm reduction policies. The organization criticizes the WHO for excluding harm reduction advocates and consumer groups, emphasizing the importance of providing alternative options for smokers worldwide. CAPHRA urges stakeholders to challenge disinformation, prioritize evidence-based policies, and integrate harm reduction strategies to combat the tobacco epidemic and promote public health.

Japan has achieved a 52% decrease in cigarette sales, largely due to the popularity of heated tobacco products (HTP). The success story is outlined in a Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) briefing. Factors contributing to this decline, including regulatory measures and health concerns, are discussed. Despite initial dual use, many are transitioning to HTP for reduced harm. The unique Japanese trend emphasizes switching from cigarettes to safer alternatives. Notable growth in HTP sales has outpaced cigarettes, supported by a welcoming retail environment and minimal government intervention. Japan's success highlights consumer-driven public health improvements and the cultural acceptance of harm reduction methods.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, but quitting offers numerous health benefits. E-cigarettes may aid in smoking cessation, though long-term health effects are uncertain. The best way to quit smoking is with behavioral support and medication, which doubles success rates. Using FDA-approved medications is recommended, but for those unable to use them, e-cigarettes can be an option. All tobacco products are harmful, and the goal should be to quit completely. The EX Program offers personalized support for quitting smoking and vaping, featuring performance tracking, strategic guidance, and tailored communication plans.

Selling pouches of addictive, unregulated nicotine linked to heart attacks is illegal in Australia, but an investigation by news.com.au can reveal they’re alarmingly easy to buy. Buying an illicit packet of the nicotine pouches was as simple as walking into the closest Sydney tobacconists and asking, “do you sell nicotine pouches?” The response was a swift “yes”, and out came a small brown box from behind the counter filled with about 10 individual packets of the pouches. “This is all I have at the moment unfortunately,” the store clerk said.

Youth vaping is under scrutiny by Australian health organizations, highlighting the importance of balancing risks and benefits. While concerns exist, severe harmful effects are rare. Nicotine dependence is low among non-smokers, and vaping is considered less harmful than smoking. Studies show vaping doesn't impair brain function as feared and may divert young people from smoking. To address youth vaping, enforcing strict regulations and promoting education are key. Vaping trends are declining in various countries, and studies suggest vaping isn't a gateway to smoking. Encouraging responsible usage and restricting access to minors are critical in managing youth vaping.

Under Spain's new anti-smoking plan, safer nicotine products will now be equated with smoking in the latest measures to restrict vaping in the country. Joining us today is Carmen Escrig, Coordinator of the Spanish Medical Platform for Tobacco Harm Reduction, who will highlight the pushback against this proposal and the institutional biases that helped create it in the first place.

A University College London study shows a rise in nicotine use among adults in England due to increased vaping with disposable devices, while smoking rates slightly declined. Vaping particularly surged among young adults, tripling in those aged 18-24, with an increase from 9% to 29% since 2021. Older age groups showed smaller changes in vaping and smoking rates. Concerns over the potential impact on non-smoking young individuals were raised. The study analyzed data from 132,252 adults between 2016 and 2023. Researchers urge balanced policies to address youth vaping without hindering smoking cessation efforts and emphasize the deadliness of smoking compared to potential risks of vaping.

A study reveals a flood of illegal flavored e-vapes from China in NYC after their ban in 2020 to curb youth addiction. The survey by Atria identified Air Bar Disposable as a popular brand. Despite some enforcement efforts, the illicit market undermines legal vendors like Altria. Experts urge stricter enforcement statewide. Officials criticize lax regulation and hope for stronger enforcement against illegal vapes, citing health risks for young people. FDA warned Chinese firms for unauthorized products. City Hall and Gov. Hochul are investigating to address the issue. Youth e-cig use in New York decreased, but the battle against illegal vapes continues, aiming to protect public health, particularly children.

Kellyanne Conway's use of "alternative facts" echoes Australia's current vaping crisis. Despite evidence showing failure in the prescription model and ban, young Australians increasingly access vapes illegally. Organized crime profits from a $4 billion industry, impacting 1.5 million vapers. Proposed excise taxes could raise $9-12 billion, potentially curbing addiction and black market sales. Political leaders, like Nationals Leader David Littleproud, are reconsidering policies to address the epidemic. Public opinion favors taxing and regulating vapes like tobacco. Lobbyists suggest redirecting tax revenue to education and law enforcement. The Greens and Coalition are reviewing their stances, aiming to protect children from addiction amid widespread illegal vape availability.

When India's government added nicotine replacement therapies to its list of essential medicines, tobacco harm reduction advocates celebrated a win for smokers looking to quit. But was this success short lived, and has India returned to an anti-nicotine frame of mind? Joining us today to discuss India's track record with nicotine is journalist Samrat Chowdhery.