Read articles from Global

April 25, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Philip Morris International criticizes the U.K. Department of Health for allegedly spreading misinformation about heated-tobacco products. The department's social media post stating all tobacco as harmful is seen as misleading and potentially driving consumers back to cigarettes. PMI argues that the government's false statements hinder smokers from switching to alternatives. They claim heated-tobacco products are not proven to help quit smoking. PMI emphasizes the need for accurate information and criticizes the government for distortion.

April 25, 2024 by reason.org

The recent House hearing addressed concerns about foreign disposable e-cigarettes possibly containing fentanyl. Such fears, however, are baseless for nicotine e-cigarettes, with no evidence of fentanyl contamination. Reports of fentanyl in vapes typically involve illicit cartridges for opioids or cannabis, not legal e-cigarettes. Linking e-cigarettes to illicit drug issues only hinders harm reduction efforts. While youth vaping has decreased, public misconceptions persist. Heavy restrictions have removed most U.S. e-cigarette products, leading to an influx of Chinese disposable e-cigarettes. Sensationalism around fentanyl in e-cigarettes diverts from evidence-based public health policies.

April 25, 2024 by scotsman.com

A recent WHO study reveals two in five Scottish girls vape by age 15, leading to concerns over underage vaping. Girls in the UK are vaping more than boys, with Scotland and England showing higher rates compared to other countries. ASH Scotland attributes the appeal to flavored products and colorful packaging. Long-term impacts of vaping remain uncertain. Accessibility and low costs may drive increased use. The study also highlights high cannabis use among Scottish and Welsh teenagers. Urgent regulatory actions and stricter marketing rules are recommended to address youth vaping. Concerns over cannabis abuse call for better protection measures.

April 25, 2024 by who.int

A new WHO/Europe report reveals concerning substance use trends among adolescents, with over 50% having tried alcohol and 1 in 5 using e-cigarettes. Gender gaps in substance use are narrowing, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention strategies. Alcohol is the most common substance, with 57% of 15-year-olds trying it. E-cigarettes are more popular than cigarettes, with 32% of 15-year-olds using them. Cannabis use is falling slightly. The study underscores the urgency for robust prevention measures to protect adolescents and address the normalization of harmful substances in society, with video games identified as influential mediums. Dr. Kluge stresses the need for stricter policies to curb adolescent substance use.

April 24, 2024 by daily-pouch.com

The Daily Mail's sensationalist article exaggerates fears about nicotine pouches, using biased sources like Becky Freeman and Jody Morgan. Despite claims of targeting children, the piece lacks evidence and misrepresents facts. The focus on vague dangers and alarmist language perpetuates misinformation. The article overlooks the potential benefits of less harmful alternatives to traditional smoking. The need for accurate information is highlighted by Derbydave's hesitation to try nicotine pouches due to media-induced misconceptions.

April 22, 2024 by wiley.com

This commentary explores how social media influenced public health narratives and responses during two recent health crises, the COVID-19 global pandemic and the e-cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) epidemic. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, social media played a dual role, acting as both a catalyst for information dissemination and a breeding ground for misinformation. This situation highlighted the challenges public health institutions face in navigating online narratives and maintaining public trust during crises.

April 22, 2024 by gfn.tv

Cliff Douglas is, as they say, the “real deal”. An essential attorney in the tobacco wars of the 1990s, an adviser to the U.S. FDA and Surgeon General and vice president of tobacco control at the American Cancer Society. He is a tobacco control veteran and now the leader of a global organization dedicated to reducing tobacco harm through harm reduction.

April 19, 2024 by cbc.ca

Nicotine pouches like Zyn and Zonnic were intended to aid adult smoking cessation but are now raising worries due to increased use by youth. Concerns about the effects on developing brains are growing, prompting debate among politicians and health experts. Andrew Chang explores why some people are speaking out about the potential impacts on developing brains.

April 17, 2024 by filtermag.org

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.

April 16, 2024 by gfn.tv

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.