Read articles from Europe

May 06, 2024 by birminghammail.co.uk

Spain approved a new anti-smoking plan focusing on more smoke-free areas, higher cigarette prices, and stricter vaping regulations. The plan aims to increase cigarette prices, expand smoke-free zones, and tighten vaping rules to align with tobacco products. The Ministry of Health plans to ban single-use vapes and increase fines for littering, while also introducing plain packaging for tobacco and e-cigarettes. The laws will reform smoking regulations with some changes expected to take effect by the end of the year. The plan does not ban smoking on terraces, campuses, or beaches yet, but it lays the groundwork for potential future restrictions.

May 06, 2024 by ecigintelligence.com

EU MEP Radka Maxová predicts a shift towards harm reduction policies in tobacco control within the European Parliament. She highlights potential influences from newly elected members and the need for nuanced regulation of novel tobacco products. Despite conservative positions dominating the EU Commission's tobacco policy proposal, there's growing awareness of harm-reduction benefits. Maxová emphasizes the importance of evidence-based harm reduction strategies and the need to differentiate between harmful and safer tobacco alternatives. Diverse opinions among MEPs and member states pose challenges to revising EU tobacco directives.

May 06, 2024 by clivebates.com

New UK policies and legislation on smoking and vaping have been widely hailed as groundbreaking and game-changing. That is wrong. Closer examination shows they are likely to do more harm than good - a misfire and a backfire.

May 03, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The UK Vaping Industry Association criticizes the government for excluding experts from the Tobacco and Vape Bill Committee, calling it undemocratic. They express concerns about the potential rise of illicit vape products and propose a licensing scheme. The association supports the Bill's aims but stresses the need for industry consultation. UKVIA has submitted amendments to address these issues. They have reached out to government officials to challenge the selection process for the committee. The exclusion of industry voices risks inadequate scrutiny of the Bill.

May 03, 2024 by fingerlakes1.com

Swedish snus, a cultural icon from Sweden, offers a unique nicotine experience spreading globally, including the U.S. Known for its rich history and innovative varieties, such as traditional and tobacco-free options, Swedish snus appeals to a diverse audience for its quality and authenticity. As it gains popularity abroad, especially in the American market, Swedish snus showcases a blend of tradition and innovation, positioning it as a sought-after product in the evolving global consumer landscape. The future looks promising for Swedish snus, with growing interest in international products and changing consumer preferences driving its potential expansion and integration into daily routines worldwide.

May 03, 2024 by irishexaminer.com

Parentline reports a significant increase in calls from worried parents about vaping and e-cigarettes among children, with 76 calls in the first four months of this year compared to 10 last year. Some parents believe vaping is causing anxiety in their children. The rise in anxiety-related calls is also linked to school-related stress and challenges reintegrating post-Covid. The charity emphasizes concerns about children showing anger and aggression towards parents. The HSE warns of mental health issues associated with e-cigarette use. Parentline operates a national helpline for parenting support, receiving calls on a variety of issues.

May 01, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

International health experts back the global initiative Quit Like Sweden, inspired by Sweden's success in eradicating smoking, to prevent premature deaths worldwide. The initiative promotes adopting safer alternatives like snus and vapes to achieve smoke-free status. Research indicates that replicating Sweden's approach can save millions of lives globally, with Brazil potentially saving 1.4 million lives through similar strategies. The founder, Suely Castro, aims to empower individuals worldwide to take control of their health by embracing harm reduction practices to combat smoking-related diseases.

May 01, 2024 by mirror.co.uk

The Advertising Standards Authority banned an IBVTA advertorial in a newspaper for indirectly promoting unlicensed e-cigarettes and breaching rules. The ad claimed vaping saves smokers' lives and aimed to educate about vaping benefits. Although not promoting specific products directly, the ad indirectly endorsed single-use vapes. ASA ruled the ad must not run again. IBVTA expressed disappointment, citing public misinformation about vaping vs. smoking.

April 25, 2024 by irishmirror.ie

A cancer researcher suggests raising the tobacco purchase age in Ireland to 21 to combat smoking rates. The European Cancer Organisation reports that smoking-related deaths are high in Ireland, urging for a 'Tobacco 21' approach. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland backs this, showing that raising the legal age could cut smoking rates among teens and young adults. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly supports this change to discourage minors from smoking. The initiative aims to protect younger age groups from the harmful effects of smoking. Ireland is urged to implement stricter tobacco regulations to create a smoke-free generation and reduce smoking-related deaths.

April 25, 2024 by irishexaminer.com

New research by the World Health Organisation found widespread alcohol consumption and e-cigarette use among teenagers, with girls matching or surpassing boys in smoking and substance use by age 15. Alcohol is the most consumed substance, and e-cigarettes are more popular than conventional cigarettes. Calls for protective measures include increased taxes, restricted availability, and strict advertising bans. Drunkenness rates rise from 5% at age 13 to 20% at 15. E-cigarette use stands at 32%, surpassing cigarettes at 25%. Cannabis use has decreased, but early use can lead to dependency. Gender gaps in substance use are shrinking, prompting the need for targeted prevention strategies.