Stories

The European Commission faces opposition over its record budget due to proposed new nicotine and corporate taxes, prompting 14 member states, led by Sweden, to oppose the plan. Concerns exist about tax revenue distribution, harm reduction perspectives, and market harmonization. The dispute may lead to a budget overhaul to secure necessary support.

New government licensing rules could restrict vape access for smokers, worrying retailers about increased smoking rates and black market activity. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill proposes licensing for all tobacco and vape sellers by January 2027, without "grandfathering" existing sellers. Concerns arise over the impact on convenience stores and potential restrictions near schools. The UK Vaping Industry Association criticizes categorizing vape shops alongside unwanted businesses, emphasizing vaping's role in smoking cessation and public health. Licensing could target rogue traders and fund enforcement efforts, supporting responsible retailers and public health goals.

The World Health Organization supports Kazakhstan's ban on shisha smoking in public places due to health risks. Shisha smoke contains harmful substances and poses dangers to users and passive smokers. The misconception that shisha is safer than cigarettes is refuted by evidence showing its links to cancer and other diseases. WHO recommends upholding the ban to protect public health, especially with the popularity of shisha among the youth. Despite economic claims, tobacco-related diseases outweigh short-term gains. Media and civil society are crucial in raising awareness, and WHO provides scientific guidance on waterpipe smoking's health effects. Kazakhstan's tobacco control efforts align with WHO standards, emphasizing public health over commercial interests.

EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra warned that the tobacco industry’s claims about vapes being less harmful than cigarettes mirror past misleading tactics used with “light” cigarettes. He stressed that nicotine in new products is still very harmful, damaging blood vessels, impairing vascular function, and stimulating tumour growth. The European Commission is now preparing its first assessment of the health impacts of new tobacco and nicotine products, with a focus on preventing youth uptake. Hoekstra has also been pushing for higher taxation on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches.

Explore tobacco harm reduction at GFN through a candid interview with Brazilian consumer advocate Alexandro Lucian, who shares why this global event matters, the misinformation challenges in Brazil, and why education and accurate science are essential for safer nicotine choices. Learn how language barriers, anti‑vaping narratives, and limited local research shape public opinion—and how translating complex evidence into Portuguese helps counter myths.

Vaping is often claimed to be 95% safer than smoking, but there are debates on the accuracy of this statistic. Public health messaging on vaping's safety is under scrutiny, with concerns about potential misinformation leading to increased youth vaping. However, research indicates that while vaping is relatively safer, it is not risk-free. The discussion highlights the importance of transparent communication in public health messaging. Contrary to assumptions, youth perceptions on vaping harm have shifted negatively. Additionally, promoting baby-led weaning and debunking myths about excessive water consumption are other topics of interest in recent articles. Moreover, a group of psychologists is focusing on correcting errors in scientific research.

Vaping during pregnancy poses risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and fetal growth issues. A study suggests complete nicotine cessation for pregnant individuals due to harmful substances in e-cigarettes. Up to 7% of women vape during pregnancy, increasing concerns despite some considering it safer than smoking. Research shows a 40% higher risk of preterm birth, 49% risk of low birth weight, and 32% risk of small-for-gestational-age babies with vaping. The study reviewed data from 9 studies involving 423,680 pregnant women. Advocates stress the need to educate on risks, support quitting, and regulate vaping marketing to protect maternal and fetal health.

France will enforce a total ban on nicotine pouches starting in March 2026, following a decree from the health ministry. Despite objections from other EU countries, the government argues the measure is needed to protect public health, especially young people, as nicotine is deemed a health hazard.

Youth smoking in the United States has collapsed to historic lows, yet public health remains silent. At the same time, adult smokers are moving in record numbers to safer nicotine products, signaling a profound market shift that regulators struggle to keep pace with. In this episode of RegWatch, Dr. Chris Junker [...], discusses the FDA’s slow-moving PMTA process, the collapse of youth smoking, and the importance of scientific transparency in tobacco harm reduction.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore urgently calls for government regulation of nicotine pouch sales and marketing due to their rising use among teenagers. She stresses the lack of age restrictions and oversight in corner shops, where these products are widely available, aggressively marketed, and flavored to appeal to children. The strong nicotine hit poses addiction risks, and schools report disruptions. Whitmore urges immediate action to ban sales to under-18s, restrict marketing, and provide guidance to schools, as the tobacco industry targets a new generation in the absence of legislation. She emphasizes the need for swift government intervention to address the issue promptly.