Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro Aug. 13, 2026
Harry's blog 134: Filtering out lies and misinformation
The only major global journal focused on harm reduction has gone bust. Since 2017, Filter has advocated through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights, while also standing out for its coverage of tobacco harm reduction. Its closure is a significant loss - particularly at a time when well-funded opponents of tobacco harm reduction continue to thrive.
October 26, 2026 by thr101.org
Hawaii Youth Vaping Plunges as More Adults Vape Than Smoke
Youth vaping in Hawaii declined by 66% between 2019 and 2025, while cigarette smoking among high school students reached its lowest recorded level. Meanwhile, more adults now report vaping than smoking, according to newly released survey data.
Despite these trends, Hawaii is introducing further restrictions on vaping products, including tighter authorisation requirements and limits on disposable devices.
The findings highlight the importance of balancing youth protection with adult access to lower-risk alternatives, particularly as policymakers consider the potential effects of additional restrictions on smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 26, 2026 by substack.com
Mice studies to simulate children exposure to “third hand” vaping are toxicological fiction
Animal studies investigating children's exposure to residual vaping aerosol have come under scrutiny for using experimental conditions that may not reflect real-world exposure.
Researcher Roberto Sussman questions the relevance of mouse studies that expose animals to heavily contaminated materials, highlighting the lack of evidence for comparable exposure levels in everyday environments where children live.
The analysis reinforces the importance of realistic exposure assessment and scientifically valid comparisons between vaping and smoking. Reliable tobacco harm reduction research must distinguish laboratory findings from risks demonstrated under real-world conditions.
October 26, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Smokers still getting the wrong message on vaping risks, English data shows
Only around 10% of smokers in England recognised vaping as less harmful than smoking in 2025, compared with approximately 40% in 2014, according to the latest Smoking Toolkit Study data.
The findings reveal a significant gap between public perceptions and scientific evidence, despite strong research showing that nicotine vapes can help adults quit smoking.
Persistent misconceptions about relative risk may discourage smokers from considering lower-risk alternatives, highlighting the need for clearer, evidence-based public health communication.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 26, 2026 by springer.com
Changes in human biomarkers of exposure after complete switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes or exclusive e-cigarette use: a systematic review and biomarker-specific meta-analysis
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Archives of Toxicology, covering 60 studies, found substantial reductions in exposure to harmful chemicals among smokers who switched completely to e-cigarettes.
Reductions ranged from approximately 61% to 92% across several biomarkers associated with tobacco smoke, while dual users experienced smaller and less consistent benefits.
Although lower toxicant exposure does not automatically establish long-term health outcomes, the findings strengthen the scientific evidence supporting complete switching as a tobacco harm reduction strategy.
October 23, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
German tax blunder leaves vape duty missing in action
A drafting error in Germany's tobacco tax legislation has created uncertainty over e-liquid duties for the remainder of 2026. The revised law took effect earlier than intended, while new vaping tax rates are not scheduled to begin until January 2027.
Industry representatives argue that the mistake has left a temporary gap in taxation, although the Finance Ministry maintains that existing rates remain valid.
The dispute highlights the importance of regulatory clarity for businesses and consumers. Beyond administrative errors, nicotine taxation should provide predictable rules while recognising the role of affordable smoke-free alternatives in reducing smoking-related harm.
19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 13.9 million current smokers in Germany 22.10% of men are current smokers but only 16.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
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Blogs
Harry's blog 134: Filtering out lies and misinformation
The only major global journal focused on harm reduction has gone bust. Since 2017, Filter has advocated through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights, while also standing out for its coverage of tobacco harm reduction. Its closure is a significant loss - particularly at a time when well-funded opponents of tobacco harm reduction continue to thrive.
Harry’s blog 133: Silence is consent
Two tobacco control consultations that demand your attention
I’m sure there are many of you like me who are deeply cynical about public consultations. They often feel like political tick box exercises allowing the issuing authority from local councils to international organisations to say they have ‘consulted with the people’, when in truth they knew exactly what they were going to do from the get-go.
Harry’s Blog 132: “Zyn! Went The Strings Of My Heart” (with apologies to Judy Garland)
FDA approval of 20 nicotine pouch products is another step forward for tobacco harm reduction
The FDA in the U.S. has granted marketing authorisation for Zyn nicotine pouch products (five variations on mint plus five other flavours in two different strengths).
In its letter to PMI (who own Zyn manufacturers Swedish Match), the FDA wrote:
Based on our review of your MRTPAs [Modified Risk Tobacco Applications] we determined that the proposed modified risk tobacco products, …as actually used by consumers would significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole, taking into account both users of tobacco products and persons who do not currently use tobacco products. Therefore, we authorize marketing of the tobacco products as modified risk tobacco products with the following modified risk information – “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis”.