Stories

Many ministries affirm that heated cigarettes fall under tobacco laws, regulated since 2012. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is developing rules to manage electronic and heated tobacco products. The Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Tobacco defines tobacco products based on ingredients, not production methods. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control includes heated tobacco as a tobacco product. The 2018 World Health Organization recognizes heated cigarettes as tobacco and advises national regulation. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan stresses the importance of regulating new cigarettes under existing laws.

Vaping has emerged as a safer alternative to smoking, providing nicotine without harmful combustion byproducts. Despite its popularity with 5.2% of UK adults, some still criticize vaping, ignoring evidence of its reduced risks compared to smoking. With misinformation spreading, studies like the one claiming vaping increases heart failure risk by 19% are met with skepticism due to lack of peer-review and potential biases. The WHO's exaggerated warnings, like linking vaping to seizures, lack substantial evidence. Properly regulated vaping is seen as a successful harm reduction tool, contrasting with anti-nicotine sentiments.

The Swedish government's plan to reduce tax on snus by 20% and increase taxes on cigarettes by 9% has been praised by international experts for recognizing the lower health risks of snus. Sweden aims to become smoke-free, with smoking rates just above 5%, due to the availability and support for alternative products like nicotine pouches and snus. Compared to the EU average, Sweden has significantly fewer tobacco-related deaths. The government's strategy aligns with harm reduction principles, with experts applauding Sweden's leadership in promoting safer alternatives to combat the negative effects of smoking.

A new study in the Nicotine & Tobacco Research journal shows that in the US, people who use nicotine vapes are more likely to quit cigarettes, with a quit rate of nearly 31%, compared to around 20% for non-vapers. Factors contributing to this shift include the development of more satisfying vaping products and changes in tobacco control laws. Though the study doesn't offer definitive answers, it highlights the importance of considering evolving trends when making public health decisions. Researchers suggest that better vaping products could play a significant role in smoking cessation efforts.

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.

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.