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IBVTA states that public fears around youth vaping may be undermining harm reduction efforts
In this article, the Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) argues that the media narrative around youth vaping has “backfired” and may be leading to increasing experimentation with smoking.
IBVTA cites newly released data from ASH, which shows that current vaping among 16, 17 and 18 year olds has declined in recent years, while vaping among 11-15 year olds has plateaued. They highlight concerns with growing misperceptions of harm among young people, with 63% of 11-17 year olds wrongly believing that vaping is as or more harmful than smoking.
IBVTA also point to data showing that the number of young people who’ve tried smoking now outnumber those who’ve tried vaping – 21% compared to 20%. This is alongside an increase in the number of young people saying that they intend to try a cigarette soon.
Source: Convenience Store, 15 July 2025
See also: ASH – New Data on Vaping Uncovers a Public Health Disconnect | ASH – Vaping: what you need to know | ASH – Youth vaping: the facts
Editorial note: The IBVTA represents businesses in the vaping industry.
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Improving lung cancer diagnosis in England requires systemic change and targeted support
In this editorial published in the Health Service Journal, Jyotika Singh, senior principal consultant and chair of the HSJ Lung Cancer Panel, argues that tackling lung cancer in England requires a fundamental overhaul of how diagnosis and care are delivered, especially for populations most at risk. Despite ongoing efforts, a significant proportion of lung cancer cases are still identified too late, often through emergency admissions. Singh highlights the critical link between mental health and lung cancer outcomes, urging the integration of early detection strategies within mental health services and the adaptation of smoking cessation programmes to better support those with serious mental illness, who face higher rates of tobacco dependence.
The editorial calls for accessible, community-led diagnostic services and enhanced support for primary care to improve early detection. Singh also stresses the untapped potential of NHS data and artificial intelligence to identify high-risk individuals and accelerate diagnosis, and notes that only through robust collaboration across healthcare sectors, can England begin to close the lung cancer survival gap.
Source: HSJ, 15 July 2025
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Police respond to rise in spice-laced vapes causing hospitalisations among UK schoolchildren
Police in Wiltshire and surrounding areas are tackling a growing issue of secondary school students using vapes contaminated with Spice, a synthetic drug linked to serious health problems including seizures and heart attacks. Several children have been hospitalised after using these tainted products.
Working alongside local councils and employing new testing devices, officers aim to detect and remove contaminated vapes from schools to prevent further harm. Police are urging parents to talk openly with their children about the risks and potential consequences of using such products.
This follows a 2024 University of Bath study which found that one in six vapes confiscated from schools contained Spice.
Source: The Independent, 14 July 2025
See also: The University of Bath - English school children unwittingly smoking spice-spiked vapes, finds University of Bath
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Australia: Vaping shown to outperform nicotine replacement for quitting smoking in disadvantaged adults
An Australian study has found that vaping is significantly more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (such as gum or lozenges) for helping socioeconomically disadvantaged adults quit smoking. After six months, nearly three times as many participants who used vape products had successfully quit compared to those using nicotine replacement.
The randomised trial involved over 1,000 adults receiving government benefits and found that vaping remained more popular and led to fewer minor side effects overall. The study highlights vaping as a promising cessation method for groups that typically face greater challenges in quitting smoking.
Source: MedPage Today, 14 July 2025
See also: Courtney RJ, Howard BC, Barker D, et al. Vaporized nicotine products for smoking cessation among people experiencing social disadvantage: a randomized clinical trial. Ann Intern Med. 2025 July 15. doi:10.7326/ANNALS-24-03531.
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Republic of Ireland: Alcohol labelling delays driven by industry pressure, says health advocate
In this opinion piece, Sheila Gilheany of Alcohol Action Ireland argues that Ireland’s long-planned alcohol warning labels are being delayed due to lobbying from the drinks industry.
Gilheany accuses the alcohol industry of using tactics similar to the tobacco industry: casting doubt on evidence, inflating trade concerns, and pushing for non-existent EU-wide solutions. She stresses that alcohol is a known carcinogen and highlights the health impact, including daily cancer cases and fetal alcohol harm.
She urges Taoiseach Micheál Martin to stand firm, as he did with the smoking ban, and move forward with labelling by 2026. Public health, she argues, must not be compromised by corporate influence.
Source: Irish Examiner, 15 July 2025
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US: Nicotine pouch poisonings in children raise alarm in the US
A newly published study in the journal Pediatrics has highlighted a steep rise in reports of children under six in the United States ingesting nicotine pouches. In three years, reported cases surged by 763%, reflecting the growing popularity of these products.
While the majority of these incidents resulted in minor or no effects, the study documented 39 cases with serious medical outcomes, including instances of seizures, respiratory failure and two deaths.
Public health experts warn that the discreet and flavoured nature of pouches makes them more appealing, and dangerous, to young children. Doctors are urge parents to store nicotine products securely and avoid using them around children.
Source: The Guardian, 14 July 2025Source: The Guardian, 14 July 2025
See also: Olivas M, Hays HL, Kistamgari S, Rine NI, Zhu M, Yang J, et al. Nicotine ingestions among young children: 2010–2023. Pediatrics. 2025 July 14; e2024070522. doi:10.1542/peds.2024-070522.
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Netherlands: Cigarette sales ban enforcement faces challenges amid widespread non-compliance
One in five of inspected supermarkets and hospitality venues in the Netherlands were found to be breaking the ban on tobacco and vape sales within the first six months of its introduction. The measure, in effect since July 2024, prohibits both physical and online sales of tobacco products by supermarkets, convenience stores and hospitality venues. Smaller shops and convenience stores were the main offenders, while larger chains and hospitality venues generally adhered to the rules. In response, the government is considering stronger enforcement powers and higher fines for violators, though legal and legislative hurdles remain.
Source: NL Times, 14 July 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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