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Concerns grow over health claims and marketing of heated tobacco products
Experts have raised serious concerns about the health risks and misleading promotion of heated tobacco products (HTPs), which are being marketed globally as safer alternatives to cigarettes. Independent reviews have found little reliable evidence to support these claims, with many studies funded by the tobacco industry and judged to be biased. Despite tight advertising laws, companies have promoted HTPs through events and celebrity endorsements, targeting young people and non-smokers. UK-based public health groups, including Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), have criticised these tactics and warned against relaxing regulations in response to industry lobbying.
Source: Health Policy Watch, 1 May 2025
See also: Tobacco Control - Impact of heated tobacco products on biomarkers of potential harm and adverse events: a systematic review and meta-analysis
See also: Piece by Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, co-author of the systematic review, in The Conversation - As heated tobacco products reenter the US market, evidence on their safety remains sparse – new study
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Heated tobacco devices spark fresh health concerns amid rising popularity
Heated tobacco products, which warm rather than burn tobacco to produce a vapour, are gaining traction globally, with millions of users and rapid market expansion in countries like Japan and Italy. Promoted by tobacco firms as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, these devices have also drawn scrutiny from public health experts, who caution that independent studies on long-term effects remain limited. While some research suggests a potential reduction in toxic emissions compared to cigarettes, others highlight the presence of carcinogens and fine particles in heated tobacco vapour, challenging industry claims of reduced risk. Concerns also persist over marketing practices that may appeal to young people and non-smokers, potentially introducing new users to nicotine addiction. Evidence increasingly suggests that many users continue to smoke conventional cigarettes alongside heated tobacco, undermining any prospective harm reduction. Regulators and researchers agree that these products are not risk-free, and further unbiased investigation is needed to understand their impact on public health.
Source: BBC, 2 May 2025
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Greater Manchester Mayor raises alarm over NHS structural overhaul
Former health secretary and current Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has expressed opposition to recent government reforms targeting NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which include halving staff numbers, initiating mergers, and narrowing their responsibilities. He criticised the changes for lacking clarity and for potentially undermining regional collaboration, particularly in areas like Greater Manchester. Burnham warned that the reorganisation could distract healthcare leaders from tackling critical issues and reverse progress made in devolved healthcare delivery. The government maintains the reforms represent a significant shift of power to local NHS bodies.
Source: Health Service Journal, 1 May 2025
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Undercover teens expose illegal vape sales in UK shops
Between 2022 and 2024, councils have uncovered thousands of illegal vape sales to children, with authorities using undercover teenagers to catch retailers red-handed. These young people, such as 15-year-old Oliver and 13-year-old Katie, work undercover to purchase nicotine vapes from shops. The illegal sales are widespread, with over 3,700 reports of shops selling to children, and some outlets even being temporarily closed as a result.
Oliver, who has been taking part in the test purchases for three years, highlights the ease with which he is able to buy vapes, even when shop workers try to hide the transaction. These efforts have led to a decrease in underage vape sales in areas like Barking and Dagenham. However, there are concerns that online sales and informal networks still facilitate access for minors. The government is taking action by increasing funding for trading standards and introducing fines to address the issue more swiftly.
Source: BBC News, 6 May 2025
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Kent records highest number of underage vape sales in the UK
Between 2022 and 2024, Kent's Trading Standards recorded the highest number of incidents involving shops selling nicotine vapes to minors in England. A total of 391 cases were reported, higher than Newcastle, which had 215 incidents. These figures were largely driven by undercover test purchases conducted by teenagers posing as customers. In addition to these sales, Kent seized nearly 900,000 non-compliant or illicit vapes during the same period. The data, obtained from 133 out of 136 Trading Standards bodies across England, revealed over 3,700 cases of illegal vape sales to children, with some shops facing temporary closures due to repeated violations.
Source: BBC News, 6 May 2025
Editorial note: These figures are based on FOI requests so may not be entirely representative.
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NHS urged to prioritise early cancer detection
A report has called for the NHS in England to focus more on early cancer diagnosis to save lives, urging a shift towards "early intervention". The report highlights that many people delay seeking medical help for cancer symptoms due to fears of burdening the NHS. Experts stress the importance of acting on symptoms like fatigue or weight loss early to improve survival chances.
One recommendation of the report is to expand lung cancer checks to include people exposed to passive smoke and people living in high pollution areas. Additionally, the NHS should boost public awareness and increase participation in existing cancer screening programmes, such as for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers.
Source: The Guardian, 4 May 2025
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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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