Latest Resources
No Smoke Less Harm - 2024
A new landmark report - ‘No Smoke, Less Harm’ - proves that nicotine use does NOT lead to tobacco-related disease. The study shows that Sweden has dramatically lower rates of tobacco-related deaths and health issues than other European nations - despite similar levels of nicotine intake. In Sweden, one in four adults use nicotine daily, the same as across Europe. However, the Scandinavian country reports a massive 41 per cent lower incidence of lung cancer and fewer than HALF the tobacco-related deaths of 24 out of 26 of its European peers. This stark contrast is attributed to the widespread adoption of smoke-free nicotine products such as snus, nicotine pouches and vapes.
THE EFFECTS OF E-CIGARETTE TAXES ON E-CIGARETTE PRICES AND TOBACCO PRODUCT SALES: EVIDENCE FROM RETAIL PANEL DATA
In this paper, we examine the effects of e-cigarette taxes on e-cigarette prices, e-cigarette sales, and other tobacco product sales. We find that e-cigarette taxes are almost fully shifted to consumer prices. This pattern of results suggests that policymakers almost fully control e-cigarette retail prices through the setting of tax policy. Our paper finds evidence that e-cigarettes and cigarettes are economic substitutes, particularly with respect to e-cigarette taxes increasing cigarette sales. This finding is concerning from a public health perspective given that e-cigarettes are less dangerous products. One concept endorsed by a number of leading national experts is to tax e-cigarettes proportionate to their risk relative to cigarettes as a way to reduce public health harm (which is related to but different from overall social welfare).
The Compassion Club: A New Proposal for Transformation of Tobacco Retail
Specialty Vape shops One major assumption in the current tobacco industry is the distribution of tobacco products through a system of commercial for-profit retail. However, other models of distribution that do not rely on this mechanism exist. There has been little discussion about the possibility that this promising model could be applied to help transform the tobacco industry. Many independent vape stores already demonstrate aspects of the compassion club model that could be used to support a transition.
E-cigarette addiction and harm perception: Does initiation flavor choice matter?
Traditionally flavored e-cigarette initiation produces similar risk for addiction and harm perceptions as non-traditionally flavored initiation. These findings suggest that banning non-traditional flavors alone may be ineffective in curbing e-cigarette addiction and harm perception.
The actual and anticipated effects of restrictions on flavoured electronic nicotine delivery systems: a scoping review
Our findings highlight the need for additional research on the impacts of ENDS restrictions. Research should further evaluate the impact of restrictions on youth and adult use of nicotine and tobacco products in addition to the effects of restrictions in countries beyond the US to enable a robust consideration of the harm-benefit trade-off of restrictions. Studies of hypothetical restrictions suggest decreased ENDS use, increased cigarette use, and increased use of illicit markets. New evaluations of flavour restrictions can fill existing gaps in the literature identified here by considering the balance of effects on youth and adult initiation and cessation of ENDS and combustible cigarettes and by evaluating restrictions in countries beyond the US. As more research is conducted, these effects and additional information on internet sales, do-it-yourself modifications, and illegal marketplaces will provide essential information for a robust consideration of the benefits and harms to public health of flavoured ENDS restrictions.
Can alternative nicotine products put the final nail in the smoking coffin?
Clearly, bolder policies—including endorsement of harm reduction—are needed to put the final nail in the smoking coffin.
Exploring electronic cigarette portrayals: a content and thematic analysis of African online news coverage
The results indicate that articles and arguments presenting e-cigarettes positively outnumber those with a negative slant. The health impacts of electronic cigarettes emerged as the most discussed topic, with health authorities frequently cited as news sources. However, these health authorities often lacked a unified stance on e-cigarette safety. The lack of consensus among health officials could have public health consequences, possibly resulting in the formulation of uninformed policies. It can create confusion among policymakers, nicotine users, and the public, resulting in negative public health outcomes. Therefore, it is important that scientists, researchers, and public health officials, regardless of their affiliations, promote credible science and evidence. The accuracy and completeness of media coverage of electronic cigarette use also depend on the rigorous and cautious assessment of news sources by news writers.
How do underage youth access e-cigarettes in settings with minimum age sales restriction laws? A scoping review
Further research examining how social supply routes operate, including interaction and power dynamics, is crucial to reducing youth vaping. Given widespread access via schools and during social activities and events, exploring how supply routes operate and evolve in these settings should be prioritized. Inadequate compliance with existing sales regulations suggest greater national and local policy enforcement, including fines and licence confiscation for selling to minors, is required at the retailer level.
Patterns of flavored e-cigarette use among adult vapers in the USA: an online cross-sectional survey of 69,233 participants
Non-tobacco flavors were popular among the US adult vapers who participated in the study, and were popular choices at the time of quitting smoking for those who formerly smoked. Tobacco flavor use prevalence was low and was further reduced over time. Regulators should consider the flavor choice of adult consumers, especially those who quit smoking, when preparing legislation on flavored e-cigarettes.
Consideration of vaping products as an alternative to adult smoking: a narrative review
Tobacco harm reduction is a public health approach to reduce the impact of cigarette smoking on individuals. Non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), deliver nicotine to the user in the absence of combustion. The absence of combustion in e-cigarettes reduces the level of harmful or potentially harmful chemicals in the aerosol generated. This narrative review examines the published literature that studied the chemistry of e-cigarette aerosols, the related toxicology in cell culture and animal models, as well as clinical studies that investigated short- and long-term changes in biomarkers of smoke exposure after switching to e-cigarettes. In the context of the literature reviewed, the evidence supports the harm reduction potential for adult smokers who switch to e-cigarettes.
