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Scotland to raise legal age for buying cigarettes & tobacco
SNP ministers today signalled they would follow the UK Government and raise the age for selling tobacco products.
The Scottish Government suggested legislation could be announced as soon as the new year, meaning the minimum age rises from 18 to 19 in 2027 - then up by one year. every year after that.
Holyrood ministers' new tobacco strategy, published yesterday, said: “It is much easier to never start smoking than it is to give up an addiction.
"It is important as part of our 2034 ambition that we create the conditions to stop children from ever starting.
"This is why, with the UK Government and the Devolved Governments and Administrations we are consulting on raising the age of sale of tobacco.”
Rishi Sunak announced similar laws at the Tory Conference in October, but they would only apply south of the border. The Scottish Government initially refused to say if it would follow suit, with smoking issues falling into devolved powers.
In a foreword to the framework, SNP Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: "Smoking damages lives across Scotland from our earliest years to our latest. It is a leading risk factor in stillbirth, cuts lives short by ten years on average and increases the risk of dementia.
"I have personal experience of this with one of my grandparents, who was advised to stop smoking to extend their life – which they thankfully did and provided me with 16 years of precious memories.
"From our work with the Poverty Alliance we know that most people who smoke want to stop, but the powerful addiction nicotine creates is in their way. We want to make it easier for people to never start."
The Scottish Government 'Tobacco and Vaping Framework' also raises the possibility of a clampdown on vaping, saying the minimum age of 18 could also rise from 2027.
It says: "Vapes have a role to play in smoking cessation, but we know that children and young people are using these devices. Children and young people may not fully understand the risks and implications of using these devices or be able to make informed decisions.”
"The current UK-wide consultation is currently focused on raising the age of sale of tobacco only. As part of the first implementation plan, we will consider whether any potential rise in the age of sale of tobacco should be introduced alongside an increase in the age of sale of vapes. Any change to the age of sale of vapes would require consultation before introduction."
Source: The Scottish Sun, 22 November 2023
See also: Scottish Government: Tobacco and vaping framework: roadmap to 2034
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NHS releases myth busting facts about disposable vapes
The NHS has provided some myth-busting facts about e-cigarettes. The service has provided these as a part of its Better Health tools to help people quit smoking.
Its site prefaces an important message, “Vaping is not completely harmless. We only recommend it for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking and staying quit.”
Myth one: Vaping is just as harmful as smoking. Fact - Nicotine vaping is not risk-free, but it is substantially less harmful than smoking. Experts found that those who switch completely from cigarette smoking to vaping, reduced exposure to toxins associated with risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke.
Myth two: Nicotine is very harmful to health. Fact - Despite nicotine being addictive, it is relatively harmless to one’s health. The harmful chemicals contained in cigarettes are in the tobacco, not the nicotine.
Myth five: People use vapes more frequently than cigarettes – that must be worse. Fact - It is normal to vape more frequently than you used to smoke, and this is not more harmful.
Myth seven: Vaping causes 'popcorn lung'. Fact - Vaping does not cause "popcorn lung", the common name for a rare disease called bronchiolitis obliterans. The disease was found in a group of factory workers exposed to a chemical (diacetyl) used to flavour popcorn. Diacetyl can be found in cigarette smoke, but it is banned as an ingredient in UK-regulated nicotine vapes and e-liquids.
Source: Wales online, 22 November 2023
See NHS page : https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts/
See also: ASH Vaping Myth Buster
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Scotland: Child vaping health dangers highlighted by new campaign
A new campaign warning parents, carers and children of the dangers of vaping has been launched by the Scottish government.
In June a Scottish government report found that 22% of all under-18s - around 78,000 - are believed to have used a vape last year with more young people using them than smoking cigarettes.
The minister said e-cigarettes were one of a range of tools for adult smokers to quit smoking but "should never be used by young people or adult non-smokers".
The new campaign is designed to prevent people becoming addicted in the first place.
The new Take Hold marketing campaign will increase awareness of the harms and risks of nicotine addiction.
As well as radio, TV and outdoor advertising, schools across Scotland will be provided with digital guidance packs and resources for posters.
Its key message is that vapes may quickly become harmfully addictive for children and young people, affecting their concentration, mental health and mood.
Ministers have also pledged to work with the UK government and the devolved administrations on a four nations approach.
Source: BBC News, 22 November 2023
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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