Nicotine Science and Policy

The WHO has recently stirred controversy by sharing widely criticised claims about vaping on its social media accounts, so in today's episode of GFN News we ask, what's this all about? And has this happened before? Joining us today is Will Godfrey who filled us in on the latest chapter of the WHO's infodemic problem.

The Australian government is considering vaping regulations to address illegal sales of nicotine-containing products to minors. The proposed bill aims to restrict nicotine vapes to pharmacies, requiring prescriptions. Some advocate for pharmacist-only sales to facilitate smoking cessation. Online prescribing services are emerging, as some doctors eschew prescribing vaping products. There are concerns about criminalizing unpermitted vaping. Law alterations may remove penalties for possession without a prescription. Discussions also include regulating vapes like tobacco for adult sale and health practitioner oversight.

Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as a safer alternative to smoking. In Australia, they are prescription-only medicines, available through pharmacies or importation with a prescription. Concerns about illegal sales and youth uptake exist, but there is no evidence of significant youth usage. Pouches are tobacco-free and considered low-risk, with experts ranking them safer than smoking and vaping. Usage among adults, including smokers and vapers, as a quitting aid is increasing. While there is little research in Australia, overseas studies suggest pouches are safer than traditional tobacco products. The government discourages their use due to concerns about youth access but currently has no plans to ban them.

Heart disease, the leading global cause of death, is being studied by University of Louisville researchers to understand how various environments impact cardiovascular health. They received $11.6 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health to investigate factors like environmental exposures, tobacco products, and remodeling after heart attacks. Studies focus on benzene's impact on blood vessels, cardiac fibrosis, prenatal chemical exposure's effect on sleep and heart health, and the toxicity of new e-cigarette compounds. Additionally, they are collaborating on a Climate and Health Summit to explore climate change's effects on human health.

The FDA, under court order, has not completed all PMTA reviews for vape products, leading to concerns about harmful e-cigarettes being sold to children. Senator Durbin criticized the FDA and DOJ for not enforcing laws against manufacturers selling unauthorized vaping products. Despite warning letters and marketing denial orders, some companies continue to sell unauthorized vaping items in violation of the law, prompting calls for stricter enforcement actions.

Children have been hospitalized due to severe lung issues from excessive vaping, prompting the Dutch child medicine association NVK to take action for a nicotine-free society and potentially banning e-cigarettes. An alarming 22% of Dutch youth aged 12 to 25 vape, often alongside smoking tobacco. Doctors warn of the tobacco industry's tactics to addict young people. Vaping is cheaper than smoking. The Netherlands banned flavored e-liquids in 2022.