Stories

In highlighting Women’s History Month, the text emphasizes the often overlooked impact of tobacco on women's health. Women face a significant risk from smoking, with many deaths attributed to tobacco-related illnesses. Misinformation surrounding vaping and nicotine alternatives leads to harmful misconceptions, impacting women's health decisions. The text advocates for accurate information to empower women to make informed choices about their well-being.

New guidance by the RACGP on e-cigarette usage for smoking cessation has received positive feedback. Despite being touted as helpful aids, e-cigarettes remain controversial due to modest benefits and harmful effects, particularly among young non-smokers. Recent Australian reforms aim to curb youth vaping, including bans on certain products. Critics argue against overwhelming GPs with prescription requests and potential illicit trade fears. Clinicians should consider individual circumstances when recommending e-cigarettes for nicotine addiction.

Northern Ireland could be included in a Westminster bill which aims to phase out the sale of cigarettes. The bill would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 - when they turn 18. The move, backed by the health minister, is subject to approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly. More than 2,000 people die from smoking related illnesses in Northern Ireland every year. The bill is part of the UK government's plan for a "smoke free generation".

Known as PMTA registry or directory bills, its new legislation or amendments to existing state law that require manufacturers, distributors, or sellers of nicotine vaping products to attest under penalty of perjury that the products are either authorized for sale by the FDA or are still undergoing the agency’s arduous pre-market tobacco application process. The problem is that the FDA has approved only 23 products out of the 5 million submitted for approval. And all of these products are owned by big tobacco and are only available in tobacco flavors. Joining us today to discuss the impact of these efforts to take out vaping are vape shop owners Danny Gillis and Chris Lautz, [...]

The UK’s ban on disposable nicotine vapes demonstrates the many misbeliefs surrounding the “gateway” theory are thriving. But isn’t the theory that youth e-cig use is a gateway to smoking de-bunked? According to Dr. Arielle Selya it is and there’s no room for doubt.

Senate committee chairs urged convenience store CEOs to halt the sale of illegal flavored vaping products due to violating federal law. Expressing concern over e-cigarettes' appeal to youth, the lawmakers called for immediate removal of unauthorized products from shelves to tackle the public health risk posed by rising teen addiction to nicotine. Senator Durbin emphasized the need for stronger actions by the FDA and industry to combat the youth vaping epidemic. Letters were sent to major retailers such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and bp America, following FDA warnings about unauthorized brands like Elf Bar and E.B. Design.

The government announced a new Vaping Products Duty starting in October 2026, along with increased tobacco duties, as part of Budget 2024. The duty aims to discourage non-smokers and young people from vaping while maintaining a financial incentive to choose vaping over smoking. The Department of Health & Social Care announced restrictions on vaping products earlier in 2024. HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs are seeking input from stakeholders to shape policy development and ensure the duty meets its objectives. The consultation provides details on how the duty will be implemented and builds on existing measures to address vaping-related harms.

Massachusetts released an annual report showing arrests related to selling illegal flavored e-cigarettes, despite advocates believing flavor bans only regulate products. The ban led to a surge in illicit sales, with cases involving untaxed products resulting in arrests and prosecutions. Violations can lead to felony charges and up to five years in prison. The criminal justice process is slow, with some cases pending for years. Research suggests flavor bans increase cigarette sales, potentially harming public health. The text emphasizes the negative impact of such policies and calls for a shift from illiberal tobacco regulations.

A recent study by VCU researchers found that young e-cigarette users exhibit reduced blood vessel function, indicating potential cardiovascular risks. Individuals using e-cigarettes for over three years showed more extensive vascular damage, a marker for cardiovascular disease. The study highlights concerns about long-term health effects, especially in young adults. The rapid increase in e-cigarette use among the youth underscores the need to understand its impact on heart health before it becomes a widespread issue. Further research is necessary to determine if the vascular dysfunction observed can be reversed.

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt plans to introduce a new tax on vaping products from October 2026 to discourage non-smokers. This tax comes alongside a one-time increase in tobacco duty to maintain the financial incentive to choose vaping over smoking. The move aims to address the rise in vape use among non-smokers and youth. British American Tobacco supports a "low" excise tax on vape liquid but warns about enforcing a tax linked to nicotine content. Some analysts believe the tax could benefit larger companies like BAT over smaller players. Concerns are raised about the potential impact on efforts to help smokers quit.