Stories

Victoria's illegal tobacco and vape trade involves gangs recruiting youth for criminal acts like arson and extortion, with ties to various crime groups. The rise in illegal tobacco is attributed to high profits and low risks, appealing to organized crime. Despite ongoing issues for a decade, the problem was highlighted in 2023 due to arson attacks. Police efforts have led to arrests and seizures. Authorities aim to introduce a licensing scheme for better enforcement, particularly in regional areas. The government plans to implement a tobacco licensing scheme to tackle the issue.

On April 30, 2024, the FDA, DOJ, and U.S. Marshals Service seized over $700,000 worth of unauthorized e-cigarette products in Alhambra, CA, mainly from California-based distributors. The enforcement aims to combat the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes, including brands enticing to youth. This joint action was the first seizure involving tobacco products by the agencies. FDA continues to crack down on unauthorized e-cigarettes across the supply chain, having issued numerous warning letters and penalties. They have granted marketing authorization to some legal tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products in the U.S.

The World Health Organization has 8,000 employees, a budget of close to $4bn dollars, considerable influence and ambitious goals. Expanding access to medical care. Managing global health emergencies. Addressing the root causes of disease. Even combatting misinformation online. To the latter, one is tempted to respond, “Physician, heal thyself.” That’s because, when it comes to one of the most important public health questions of our time — how best to reduce the death and disease caused by smoking tobacco — the WHO is not merely failing to curb misinformation. It is misleading governments, health care workers and the public.

The Senate Inquiry on Vaping analyzed misleading claims from health organizations and academics. Exaggerated concerns about youth vaping and vaping as a gateway to smoking were debunked. Vaping is seen as a public health opportunity, with benefits for adult smokers outweighing minor harms to youth. The black market thrives due to strict regulations. Misconceptions about vaping risks, reliance on flawed reports, and disentangling vaping from Big Tobacco were addressed. An industry-funded recycling plan could reduce environmental impact. The Committee is urged to scrutinize submissions for accuracy and evidence-based claims. Respected health sources should be questioned if not supported by rigorous analysis.

AnaKalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray T. Reyes urged transferring vape regulation from the Department of Trade and Industry to the Food and Drug Administration due to concerns about vape-related lung injuries among youth. He called for a review of Republic Act 11900 and emphasized the need to enforce vaping laws, especially for minors, following a significant rise in teenage vape users. Reports of EVALI cases and minors violating smoking laws highlight the risks associated with vaping products. Reyes stressed the importance of revising regulations to prioritize public health and safety.

Teenage girls in the UK are found to engage in more drinking, smoking, and vaping than boys. A recent study suggests that frequent vaping among teens could increase exposure to harmful metals like lead and uranium, affecting brain and organ development. Researchers emphasize the importance of regulating and preventing teen vaping. The study, involving 1607 teens, reveals higher levels of lead and uranium in the urine of frequent vapers compared to occasional vapers. Sweet flavors were associated with increased uranium levels. While the study lacks definitive conclusions, it highlights the need for further research, regulation, and public health interventions to reduce the risks of e-cigarette use, especially among adolescents.

Vaping is linked to a higher risk of heart failure, affecting over 64 million people globally. E-cigarette users face a 19% increased risk, especially for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm the heart, leading to cardiovascular issues similar to heart failure. Aerosol products in e-cigarettes may worsen heart failure by affecting respiratory function. Understanding these risks is crucial for prevention strategies.