Stories

The Karnataka government recently passed the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Bill, 2024, increasing the age limit for purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 years. The bill also prohibits the sale of cigarettes to those under 21 and restricts sales near schools. Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasized the new regulations, mentioning fines for violations. Furthermore, hookah bars were banned in all establishments, with penalties of imprisonment and substantial fines for unauthorized operations.

Quitting smoking at any age significantly reduces cancer risks, especially for lung cancer, as found in a recent study. Even older individuals see benefits, with those quitting at 50+ experiencing a 40% drop in lung cancer risk. Benefits extend to liver, colorectal, and stomach cancers. Despite an initial rise in risk post-quitting, long-term benefits are substantial, with overall cancer risk halving in 15 years. Messaging about never being too late to quit is crucial for older smokers' health. While quitting entirely is healthiest, harm reduction methods like reducing cigarette intake can still improve health.

“I’d rather have one thousand Dirty Ashtrays (award) than one coffin to contain the whole tobacco industry, including the farmers and stakeholders who are depending on the tobacco industry in our country,” Marcoleta said during his February 19 privilege speech. “While the state is conscious and responsible in maintaining the health of its citizens, it should also do so mindful of the general welfare of the people, especially the stakeholders of the tobacco industry. Our two laws advocate for balanced policies,” he said. 

The Ministry of Health is updating the Tobacco Control Act to regulate nicotine products like e-cigarettes and pouches due to their popularity among Kenyan youth. The revisions aim to strengthen regulations and address gaps to protect public health. Dr. George Githuka highlighted the need to anticipate future tobacco products and enhance collaboration with partners. The WHO warns of the harmful impacts of tobacco on health and socio-economic well-being. The updates will also restructure the compensation fund. The current law mandates funding for tobacco control programs, which has not been implemented.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute have relaunched the Stronger Together campaign to address youth vaping in the state, focusing on tobacco industry strategies targeting young people. Most high school students who vape are in Hawai‘i County, with percentages in other counties ranging from 13% to 22%. Counties are seeking authority to regulate tobacco sales following the removal of this ability in 2018. The tobacco industry's marketing impact costs Hawaiʻi millions annually.

A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals that banning menthol cigarettes can significantly decrease smoking rates. Menthol cigarettes pose public health concerns as they make it easier to start smoking, increase nicotine absorption, and hinder quitting efforts. Globally, menthol cigarette usage varies, with a high prevalence among young people, minorities, and low-income individuals. Research indicates that national bans are more effective than local ones, leading to higher quit rates. The study supports the US FDA's proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, highlighting the harm caused by the delay in implementing the ban, especially among Black communities.

Scholar Samuel Hampsher-Monk advocates for regulating e-cigarettes to help smokers transition from traditional cigarettes. He proposes measures like taxing e-cigarettes less than cigarettes, banning appealing flavors for youths, creating smoke-free areas, setting lower nicotine limits for traditional cigarettes than e-cigarettes, and using different public use bans for vaping and smoking. Hampsher-Monk emphasizes the importance of balancing regulations to prevent youth addiction while aiding smokers in quitting. Promoting e-cigarettes as a safer alternative with proper warnings and advertising restrictions is key.

A study led by Gilbert Gimm at Mason's College of Public Health found that adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities have a higher prevalence of nicotine vaping compared to those without disabilities. The study also links major depressive episodes (MDEs) to vaping in this population. Researchers stress the need for support and early interventions for at-risk youth. Data from the study, published in Addictive Behaviors, suggests screening for depression as a risk factor for e-cigarette use among students with disabilities.

It was one of the most successful public health campaigns in history: starting in the 1960s, Canadian governments began educating the public about the link between cancer and smoking, and then creating regulations on the marketing and branding of cigarettes. This effort shifted society, and smoking prevalence in Canada fell from 50 per cent in 1965 to under 11 per cent in 2021. Offices, restaurants, bars and even many parks are now smoke-free – all of which would have been unthinkable a few decades ago. The prevention campaigns that exist are working, and most people aren’t smokers.

The World Health Organisation's tobacco control conference in Panama discusses the rise of illicit tobacco trade, causing smokers to turn to unregulated cigarettes. Critics suggest policies mistakenly perpetuate the problem. Panama faces challenges with counterfeit cigarettes and ineffective regulations, leading to smuggling hubs. European losses due to illegal cigarettes reach €20 billion, with harm reduction measures ignored. Regrettably, bans on safer alternatives like e-cigarettes increase black market sales. Experts criticize WHO strategies in countries like Turkey and India, pointing out failures in reducing smoking rates.