Stories

The World Health Organization's COP10 focused on the FCTC, aiming to tackle the global tobacco epidemic but shifted attention to youth vaping rather than adult smokers. Despite the rise in safer nicotine products, the WHO opposes harm reduction, impacting smoking rates worldwide. US youth smoking has drastically declined as vaping rates rose, yet a youth vaping "epidemic" narrative persists. Countries like the UK and Canada also saw smoking decreases with vaping availability.

A bill in Utah aims to ban most flavored e-cigarettes to reduce teen vaping, but vape shop owners fear it will benefit Big Tobacco. Senate's Dr. Plumb introduced SB61 to combat teenage nicotine use. Despite e-cigarettes being seen as safer, they pose health risks. The ban targets flavors popular with teens. Menthol, associated with increased addiction, is still legal. Opponents argue the ban limits adult access and harms businesses. Plumb stated the bill aims to protect young people. Despite protests against the bill, it passed the Senate and is awaiting final approval. Adjustments may be needed for affected businesses.

Tobacco control promised bans and restrictions on e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine products for COP10, the Conference of the Parties to the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. But instead, frustrated by a handful of countries calling for a harm reduction approach to tobacco use, the global health regulator punted.

The rise of disposable vaspes poses dangers to young people despite recent regulations. Professor Peters highlights parallels between vaping's growth and the tobacco industry's tactics. The increasing availability of modern disposable vapes, posing high addiction risks, is concerning. Misconceptions about nicotine content in vapes add to the issue. Vaping's harmful effects align closely with smoking, with a noted rise in tobacco use among young vapers. Legislation changes in Australia aim to restrict vape availability, emphasizing their role as a cessation aid.

Consumers Association of Penang calls for the reinstatement of nicotine under the Poisons Act due to the increasing vaping trend among Malaysian youth. CAP criticizes the ineffectiveness of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 and highlights the easy accessibility of vape products to school children. They attribute the rise in underage vaping to loopholes in the law and stress the harmful effects of nicotine. Additionally, CAP advocates for the enforcement of smoking zones and adherence to international standards for smoke-free environments to protect non-smokers' health.

The sale and supply of single-use vapes in Scotland could be banned by 1 April next year. It follows a UK-wide consultation last year, with the date agreed by the devolved governments and Westminster. The draft legislation - which is open for consultation until 8 March - is being taken forward in Scotland using powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The age limit for buying tobacco would also change under UK government plans.

Altria Group Inc. plans to introduce new blueberry and watermelon vape products for adults only, using Bluetooth technology to prevent underage use. CEO Billy Gifford announced the tobacco giant's submission to the FDA and its expansion goals at a conference. The company aims to increase stores selling its products and estimates an international market worth $35-50 billion. Additionally, Altria intends to expand distribution of its oral nicotine pouches in Sweden and the UK.

A Tasmania anti-smoking activist, Kathryn Barnsley, displayed a misleading anti-vaping banner, wrongly attributing oral cancer risks to vaping. The claim is based on a single case study of a young man with tongue cancer, with no evidence from scientific literature supporting a link to vaping. The banner displayed misinformation, amplifying scaremongering tactics. Such misleading information spreads easily and could hinder the understanding of the harm reduction potential of vaping.

Swedish Minister for Public Health highlighted the health risks of cigarettes vs. snus in Parliament, stressing the need to diversify taxation. Defending snus, he addressed maintaining the sale of tobacco-free pouches in the market and emphasized protecting children from nicotine. Pouch Patrol praised the Minister's stance and urged EU Health Ministers to consider Sweden's approach, aiming for a smoke-free nation. The Minister's arguments align with WHO's goal, positioning Sweden as a leader in tobacco control.