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** 19 June 2025
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** UK
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** High smoking rates among Bradford's pregnant women and children raise concern (#1)
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** Vaping during pregnancy linked to lower exposure to harmful chemicals than smoking (#2)
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** Teachers believe there is a rise in student drug use and risky behaviour in schools (#3)
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** International
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** US to remove daily alcohol limit from national dietary advice (#4)
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** UK
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** High smoking rates among Bradford's pregnant women and children raise concern
Recent figures presented to the Bradford and Airedale Health and Wellbeing Board highlight the persistent challenges posed by smoking in the district. Each year, over 330 babies in Bradford are born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy, with certain areas showing rates as high as one in four. Additionally, nearly 1,200 children in the area take up smoking annually.
Local services have helped over 1,200 people quit in the past year, but quitting remains more difficult for those in disadvantaged environments. The issue remains closely tied to socioeconomic factors, with higher prevalence in more deprived communities and among vulnerable groups. The financial impact is severe, with smoking estimated to cost the Bradford economy £455 million a year through lost productivity, healthcare demands, and related incidents.
Source: Telegraph & Argus, 19 June 2025
See also: ASH – Ready Reckoner ([link removed]) | NHS – Statistics on Women's Smoking Status at Time of Delivery: England, Q4 2024/25 ([link removed])
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** Vaping during pregnancy linked to lower exposure to harmful chemicals than smoking
A study led by researchers at City St George’s, University of London, has found that pregnant women who vape are exposed to significantly fewer toxic substances than those who smoke cigarettes. The research involved 140 participants from UK hospitals, divided into groups based on their nicotine use. Analysis of urine samples showed that levels of several cancer-linked chemicals were markedly lower in women who exclusively vaped compared to those who smoked.
In many cases, their exposure was similar to women who had never used nicotine or tobacco. While the findings suggest vaping may be less harmful than smoking during pregnancy, experts stress that safety cannot be assumed, and further research is underway to assess potential health impacts on mothers and babies. The study was conducted with support from multiple UK universities and health bodies, and funded by Cancer Research UK.
Source: London Post, 19 June 2025
See also: Michael Ussher, et al. Toxicant and Nicotine Exposure in Pregnant Smokers, Vapers, and Nicotine-Replacement Users: Cross-Sectional Study ([link removed]) . Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2025.
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** Teachers believe there is a rise in student drug use and risky behaviour in schools
A recent survey of 4,000 teachers has revealed growing concerns among teachers that pupils are using illegal substances, with some believing this behaviour takes place on school premises. The findings highlight issues with students accessing alcohol, nicotine pouches, nitrous oxide, and gambling apps. Teachers believe these behaviours have caused increased incidents of aggression, disruption, and disengagement in the classroom.
The survey, conducted by the NASUWT union, underscores the need for a coordinated response involving health, education, justice, and support services. The results reflect teacher perceptions and experiences, pointing to broader concerns about youth wellbeing and school safety.
Source: The Independent, 18 June 2025
See also: NASUWT - Use of drugs and alcohol by pupils contributing to violence and disruption in schools ([link removed])
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** International
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** US to remove daily alcohol limit from national dietary advice
The US government is reportedly preparing to revise its official dietary guidelines by removing long-standing daily alcohol limits. The upcoming update, expected as soon as this month, will likely include only general advice to moderate alcohol intake due to health risks.
The change reflects ongoing industry spin on the strength of scientific evidence supporting specific consumption thresholds and alcohol's links to conditions such as cancer. The move has been interpreted as a victory for the alcohol industry, which had feared and lobbied against stricter recommendations.
Source: Reuters, 18 June 2025
See also: ASH – Killer Tactics ([link removed])
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health 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.
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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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