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My battle with Big Tobacco: outgoing ASH CEO Deborah Arnott reflects
Writing in The Grocer, Technology Editor George Nott interviews outgoing Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) CEO Deborah Arnott. After 21 years leading ASH, Arnott discusses her legacy in reducing UK smoking rates to a record low of 11.9%. During Arnott’s tenure, she championed several impactful laws, such as banning smoking in public spaces, outlawing tobacco product displays, and introducing standardised packaging with health warnings. These measures not only shifted public attitudes but also brought tangible health benefits, including declines in heart attack hospitalisations and childhood asthma cases.
Arnott’s advocacy was often met with resistance from Big Tobacco, which used tactics like lobbying and misinformation to counter anti-smoking efforts. Arnott highlighted the industry's influence over retailers, who were used to promote smoking through prominent cigarette displays. However, Arnott and ASH's evidence-based strategies proved effective in countering these efforts, as surveys indicated minimal negative impact on retailers, while smoking rates and brand awareness among adolescents dropped.
While Arnott considers her achievements a team effort, her colleagues regard her as an inspiring leader and tireless campaigner. She believes that, despite the progress made, the fight against smoking isn't over, as it remains stubbornly high in disadvantaged groups. Arnott sees the regulation of vaping, particularly its appeal among youth, as the next critical public health challenge, emphasising the need to balance curbing youth vaping while supporting it as a smoking cessation tool for adults.
Source: The Grocer, 11 October 2024
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Revealed: the hidden scale of children vaping in school
More than 100 secondary schools in England and Wales responded to a survey about vaping and how they are tackling it.
Of the 110 schools that responded, 46 per cent said they encountered vaping on a daily basis, and 30 per cent said it was a problem every week.
Half of schools who responded said they detect vaping on a daily basis.
Most are worried about it: 95 per cent said they were either very worried or worried; 87 per cent were more worried about vaping than they were five years ago.
The survey found 81 per cent of the schools were regularly searching bags for vapes and 25 per cent were using security scanners.
Heads say that pupils hide vapes in their underwear to avoid detection if searched. Most report children vaping in lavatories, and some are being caught in stairwells, in corridors during lessons, on playing fields, at the school gate, in changing rooms and in empty classrooms
Of the schools that responded, 22 per cent of schools said they had vape alarms, mainly in lavatories. Others had tried them but found them too sensitive, or could not afford them.
Some schools cross-check triggered alarms with CCTV pointing at lavatory entrance doors to identify who is inside. One school has cameras inside the communal area of lavatories, which show if something is passed between cubicles.
Source: The Times, 11 October 2024
Editorial note: This article includes no link to the survey nor the survey polling data nor what questions or methods were used in producing the data.
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Vapes placed near children's sweets sparks concern
A Morrisons store in Worle, Somerset, showcases brightly coloured vapes directly between Halloween sweets and a children's toy aisle.
Councillor Jemma Coles raised the issue at a North Somerset Council committee meeting on Thursday, but was told there was little the authority could do.
Morrisons said the display is "in line with current legislation" on vaping products, however they would be contacting the store to ask them to move the products.
The council's director of public health and regulatory services, Matt Lenny, said the authority would "need more powers" to prevent shops displaying vapes next to sweets.
Source: BBC News, 12 October 2024
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'Smoking was costing me in more ways than one'
John Peacock was 16 when he first started smoking, describing it as "the norm" in the 1960s, with his habit going on to cost him up to £400 a month in later years.
But the 76-year-old from Thirsk said when he was told his heart was failing earlier this year he realised it was time to stop.
Mr Peacock, who quit with the help of North Yorkshire Council's smoke-free service, said: "I’ve been smoke free for three months now and don’t miss it at all."
"It’s been life-changing for me, and I’m determined to keep it this way," he said.
"I’ve noticed huge health improvements, joined the gym, am learning to swim and with the hundreds of pounds I’m saving, I’m spending the cash on my much-loved bikes.
"My only regret is if I had kicked the habit years ago.”
The council's Living Well Smokefree team offer free personalised service for six to 12 weeks to help smokers quit, which includes access to a local stop smoking advisor, a supply of nicotine replacement therapy and weekly one-to-one sessions.
Mr Peacock shared his story as part of the annual Stoptober campaign.
Figures from Action on Smoking and Health UK estimate that there are currently between 45,000 to 53,000 smokers in North Yorkshire, while figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest about six million adults smoked cigarettes in the UK in 2023.
According to the NHS, around 64,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses in England each year.
Quitting can bring immediate health benefits and improve lung function and circulation.
Source: BBC News, 14 October 2024
See also: ASH – Ready Reckoner
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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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