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** 6 January 2025
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** UK
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** Study finds smoking significantly impacts life expectancy (#1)
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** Tobacco industry funded poll shows public backs tougher fines for underage vape sales (#2)
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** Government targets NHS waiting list reduction with expanded diagnostic and surgical services (#3)
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** GP incentives and reforms aim to reduce NHS waiting lists (#4)
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** Toxic metals found in illegal vapes pose health risks (#5)
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** International
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** Belgium's disposable vape ban raises concerns over limited impact on youth use (#6)
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** Teen tobacco use continues to decline in the US, with record abstinence rates (#7)
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** Surgeon general highlights alcohol as third leading preventable cause of cancer after tobacco (#8)
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** UK
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** Study finds smoking significantly impacts life expectancy

A new study by University College London highlights the severe impact of smoking on life expectancy, showing that a single cigarette reduces lifespan by approximately 20 minutes—nearly double earlier estimates. Smoking-related illnesses claim about 80,000 lives annually in the UK and are responsible for a significant proportion of cancer deaths. Experts stress that smoking cuts into relatively healthy years, accelerating the onset of chronic conditions during midlife. The findings call for reinforced public health initiatives to encourage quitting, supported by NHS resources and tailored cessation programmes.

Source: The Guardian, 30 December 2024

See also: Addiction - The price of a cigarette: 20 minutes of life? ([link removed]) | DHSC - Quit for a week and save a day, say health experts ([link removed])
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** Tobacco industry funded poll shows public backs tougher fines for underage vape sales

A British American Tobacco funded poll shows public support for stricter penalties on retailers selling vapes to minors, including revoking licenses, which will be required for anyone selling tobacco or nicotine products as a part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, after three offences and harsher fines. The Department of Health, however, stressed its £30 million investment in enforcement and emphasised that courts can already impose fines up to £2,500 alongside immediate penalties. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, entering committee stage this week, proposes mandatory licensing for sellers to enhance regulation.

Source: The Sun, 3 January 2025.

See also: ASH – Tobacco Tactics ([link removed])
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**
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** Government targets NHS waiting list reduction with expanded diagnostic and surgical services

The government has announced a plan to reduce the NHS waiting list backlog in England, aiming to significantly cut the number of patients waiting over 18 weeks for treatment. Key measures include extending operating hours at Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs), adding more surgical hubs, and enabling direct GP referrals to diagnostic services. The plan also promises expanded use of the NHS App to enhance patient choice and streamline appointment management.

Officials claim the reforms will create millions of additional appointments annually, although concerns have been raised over workforce shortages and the feasibility of meeting targets. NHS leaders and medical organisations welcomed the initiative but expressed doubts about its deliverability without sufficient resources and staff.

Source: BBC News, 5 January 2025

See also: DHSC - PM sets out plan to end waiting list backlogs through millions more appointments ([link removed])
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**
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** GP incentives and reforms aim to reduce NHS waiting lists

The UK government has unveiled a series of reforms targeting NHS elective care delays, including a £20 payment to GPs for consulting specialists to reduce unnecessary referrals. The initiative is part of a broader plan to nearly double the use of advice and guidance (A&G) services, with the goal of saving up to 800,000 referrals annually.

Source: HSJ, 5 January 2025
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**
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** Toxic metals found in illegal vapes pose health risks

A study conducted by the University of Derby, in collaboration with local public health authorities, found dangerous levels of toxic metals in illegal e-cigarettes seized during a raid. Testing revealed high concentrations of metals like lead, copper, and cadmium, alongside elevated nicotine levels. These unregulated vapes are linked to severe health issues, including inflammation, DNA damage, and long-term cancer risks.

Source: BBC News, 5 January 2025

See also: Toxicology - A comprehensive toxicological analysis of panel of unregulated e-cigarettes to human health ([link removed])
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**
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** International
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** Belgium's disposable vape ban raises concerns over limited impact on youth use

Belgium has become the first EU country to implement a ban on disposable vapes, in an effort to curb rising e-cigarette use among young people. However, experts warn that the ban may have little effect on the growing market, as consumers are likely to switch to reusable vapes. Nicholas Hopkinson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at ASH and professor of respiratory medicine at Imperial College, argues that even if disposable products are banned, more needs to be done to prevent companies from marketing "cheap, colourful and appealing" devices that promote youth vaping.

Source: Financial Times, 1 January 2025
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**
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** Teen tobacco use continues to decline in the US, with record abstinence rates

Teenage tobacco use in the US has significantly declined, with a record number of teens abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The latest Monitoring the Future survey reveals that 66% of 12th graders (16–18-year-olds), 80% of 10th graders (15–16-year-olds), and 90% of 8th graders (13–14-year-olds) report no recent use of substances. This decline, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to surprise experts. However, nicotine pouch usage has increased, especially among 12th graders, raising concerns.

Source: The Guardian, 5 January 2025

See also: Monitoring the Future - National Survey Results on Drug Use, 1975–2024: Overview and key findings for secondary school students ([link removed])
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**
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** Surgeon general highlights alcohol as third leading preventable cause of cancer after tobacco

The US Surgeon General has called for alcohol products to include cancer warning labels, emphasising that alcohol use is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, following tobacco and obesity. The report revealed that alcohol causes about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually and noted that excessive drinking significantly contributes to these figures. Despite the strong links between alcohol consumption and cancer, public awareness remains low, with fewer than half of Americans recognising alcohol as a risk factor.

Source: The Guardian, 3 January 2025

See also: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory: Alcohol and Cancer Risk ([link removed])

Editorial note: Media stories covering other harmful consumer products, such as alcohol, unhealthy food and drink and gambling, are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries. This article has been included because it discusses the preventable harm caused by alcohol.
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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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