Nicotine Science and Policy

By Harry Shapiro Nov. 2, 2023

Harry’s blog 122: Tobacco harm reduction is a human rights issue

A guiding principle of the World Health Organization (WHO) established in 1948, was the universal right to health. Although not expressed in these terms, the implication is that nobody gets left behind even if behaviours which potentially threaten health like illegal drug use and unprotected sex meet with societal disapproval.

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March 27, 2024 by richmond.com

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Commentary: Restricting vaping products will only help big tobacco, not consumers

Virginia faces impending disaster if Gov. Youngkin signs Senate Bill 550 and House Bill 1609, which effectively bans most vaping products while favoring those from big tobacco. The bills hinder harm reduction, jeopardize public health, and stifle innovation. Advocates urge a balanced approach to protect consumers and businesses. By pushing these measures, big tobacco aims to eliminate competition, benefiting only themselves. Gov. Youngkin should consider the implications on public health and the economy before making a decision. It is vital to maintain alternatives for smokers and resist big tobacco's influence for the well-being of Virginians.


18.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 48.7 million current smokers in United States 21.60% of men are current smokers but only 15.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR


March 27, 2024 by uea.ac.uk

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Handing out vapes in A&E helps smokers quit

Giving out free e-cigarette starter packs in hospital emergency departments to people who smoke helps more people quit – according to research from the University of East Anglia. The trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), offered advice, an e-cigarette starter pack and referral to stop smoking services to people attending A&E for any reason, to help them to stop smoking. Six months later, almost one in four people given the starter packs said they had quit smoking. And those who received the packs but didn’t quit altogether, were more likely to have reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked.


March 27, 2024 by bbc.com

Free vapes given out in A&E could save 'thousands of lives'

Handing out free vapes to smokers in A&E departments could "save thousands of lives",…


12.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.2 million current smokers in United Kingdom 14.60% of men are current smokers but only 11.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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March 27, 2024 by filtermag.org

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A Long Walk With the Tobacco Users of Mumbai

Rizwan, a former tobacco user turned vape seller in Mumbai, shares his journey of quitting tobacco after his mother's death from cancer. Despite the ban on vapes in India, Rizwan advocates for harm reduction. Exploring the city's diverse tobacco habits, he highlights the challenges faced in promoting safer alternatives. In impoverished areas like Dharavi, tobacco harm reduction is a luxury due to limited access to basic needs. Rizwan's advocacy stems from personal experiences and witnessing the devastating effects of tobacco. Despite obstacles, he seeks to raise awareness and provide alternatives in a tobacco-dependent society shaped by government restrictions.


8.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 80.5 million current smokers in India 14.40% of men are current smokers but only 1.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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March 27, 2024 by scienceblog.com

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How DNA Influences How Much You’ll Smoke

A University of Colorado Boulder study explores how genetic variations impact smoking behaviors, focusing on the "Mr. Big" genetic variant affecting nicotine sensitivity. Understanding genetic factors behind smoking is crucial, with genes accounting for a large part of smoking behaviors. Interactions between genes and variants play a key role, with potential for personalized quitting approaches based on genetic information. The study highlights the complexity of nicotine addiction genetics and suggests future personalized medicine possibilities.



March 27, 2024 by theconversation.com

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Want to quit vaping? There’s an app for that

Vaping rates are rising in Australia, especially among the 18-24 age group. As more people seek to quit, the use of apps for assistance is considered. A study evaluated 30 apps for vaping cessation, highlighting features like goal-setting and feedback. Not all apps excelled in behavior change support. Future apps should focus on customization, goal setting, and transparent funding sources. Quit smoking apps have been more successful than quit vaping apps in behavior change. Developers should collaborate with experts to improve quit vaping apps and incorporate stress-relief features like meditation. Transparency on ownership and ongoing app improvement are crucial for effectiveness.


13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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March 27, 2024 by vapingpost.com

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More Data Indicating The Negative Consequences of Vape Flavour Bans

A survey in Ireland found that 75% of ex-smokers believe banning flavoured vapes would increase youth smoking. 90% of vapers fear a black market would emerge if flavours were banned. Experts argue that vape flavours aid smoking cessation, with 98% of ex-smokers crediting vaping for quitting. Restrictions could push vapers back to smoking and discourage smokers from switching. Vetoed bans, like in Florida, risk blocking safer alternatives for smokers. Studies show flavoured vapes help adults quit smoking better than tobacco flavours. Experts urge careful consideration of the impact of flavour bans on smoking rates and public health.


18.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 717,042 current smokers in Ireland 21.00% of men are current smokers but only 15.00% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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March 26, 2024 by bbc.com

Disposable bans will not work, says vape boss

Banning disposable vapes will not be "effective", the boss of the UK's largest tobacco firm has told the BBC. Tadeu Marroco, chief executive of British American Tobacco (BAT), also said raising the smoking age would have "non-intended consequences". The government plans to outlaw disposable vapes next April as part of the "biggest public health measure in decades". BAT is the UK's third-largest vape seller. Sales of disposable vapes - which give a few hundred puffs of nicotine-containing liquid before being thrown away - have skyrocketed in recent years in Britain. It is estimated hundreds of millions are now sold every year, many of them illegal.


12.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.2 million current smokers in United Kingdom 14.60% of men are current smokers but only 11.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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March 26, 2024 by gfn.tv

WHAT'S THE FUSS OVER ZYN? | Cullip tackles the rise of nicotine pouches in the USA

The rising popularity of nicotine pouches in the United States, in particular Zyn, has been met with backlash and misinformation, despite the proven efficacy of safer nicotine products in helping smokers quit. In today's episode we're joined by Martin Cullip of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, who takes a closer look at the motivations behind this backlash and the actual evidence at stake.



March 26, 2024 by ndtv.com

Study Explains Why Women May Struggle More To Quit Smoking

A recent study by the University of Kentucky sheds light on why women may find quitting smoking harder than men. The research suggests the female sex hormone, estrogen, might be playing a key role in nicotine addiction. The study found that women become dependent on nicotine faster than men and experience more difficulty quitting. Researchers led by Sally Pauss investigated this disparity and discovered a potential link to olfactomedin, a protein involved in the brain's reward system.


18.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 48.7 million current smokers in United States 21.60% of men are current smokers but only 15.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR


March 26, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Belgium to Ban Sale of Disposables

Belgium will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes effective Jan. 1, 2025, making it the first EU country to do so, reports The Brussels Times, citing Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. The country has received approval from the European Commission for the ban. “The disposable e-cigarette causes a lot of damage to society and the environment,” said Vandenbroucke. “This harmful product mainly targets our young people. I am therefore pleased that we can remove this from the market.”


20.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.9 million current smokers in Belgium 23.30% of men are current smokers but only 17.60% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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Blogs

Harry’s blog 122: Tobacco harm reduction is a human rights issue

A guiding principle of the World Health Organization (WHO) established in 1948, was the universal right to health. Although not expressed in these terms, the implication is that nobody gets left behind even if behaviours which potentially threaten health like illegal drug use and unprotected sex meet with societal disapproval.

Harry’s blog 121: International tobacco control and the search for intelligent life

KAC has published an updated version of our Briefing Paper on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s Conference of the Parties (FCTC COP) meeting due to take place in Panama in November. While a billion people still smoke, the WHO and allies deflect attention away from the failure of traditional tobacco control policies to put a significant dent in death and disease from smoking by instead attacking tobacco harm reduction.

Harry’s blog 120: Bent as a boomerang: vaping politics in Australia.

Dr Colin Mendelsohn is a well-respected tobacco harm reduction expert who wrote an article for the Australian website Education HQ advising schools on strategies to deal with vaping among students. The article was posted then withdrawn. Dr Mendelsohn received an email from the editor saying: “Unfortunately my managing editor has decided we need to unpublish your article for now, I'm terribly sorry. He is working through a concern that's been raised around your relationship with the vape and tobacco industry.”