|
|
|
|
Concern over teen use of nicotine pouches and oral health risks
This article explores the growing use of nicotine pouches among school-aged children, with one teenager describing how their discreet appearance allows them to be used during lessons. The article cites data seen by the BBC showing that use among 16 to 24-year-olds has increased from less than 1% in 2022 to 3.6% in 2024.
Kate Pike, Trading Standards lead officer for vaping raises concern over the ease with which children, some as young as 11, can buy the products. She stresses that there is currently no legal age limit, no cap on nicotine strength, and no mandatory health warnings. Pike calls for urgent government action and supports the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would ban sales to under-18s and introduce tighter controls.
Harry Tattan-Birch from University College London suggests that pouches could have a positive public health effect but only if they are used to quit smoking or vaping, not as a recreational product. The article points to some cases of gum damage and addiction from using nicotine pouches.
Source: BBC News, 20 July 2025
Editorial note: The article cites data seen by the BBC on the prevalence of nicotine pouch use among children. However, the source of this data is unclear. Data from the 2025 smokefree GB survey commissioned by ASH found that 3.8% of 11-17 year olds have ever used pouches and 1.5% currently use them.
See also: ASH calls for swift legislation on nicotine pouches as new data shows surge in youth awareness
|
|
US think tank opposing UK tobacco law tied to cigarette industry
The US-based think tank Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), which has voiced opposition to the UK’s proposed generational ban on tobacco sales, has been found to have links with the tobacco industry. While the group presents itself as an independent policy institute, several of its contributors have close ties to the industry, including direct employment with Philip Morris International (PMI). Notably, Pritika Kumar, described on the PPI website as an expert in tobacco harm reduction, appears to be employed by PMI in Washington as a director.
PPI has argued that encouraging the shift from cigarettes to alternative nicotine products is a more effective strategy than restricting access to tobacco products, mirroring the narrative promoted by tobacco companies. This highlights the continued reach of tobacco interests into public health debates.
Source: tabaknee, 21 July 2025
|
|
Australia: Experts divided over how to tackle Australia's illicit tobacco boom
This article explores the expansion of illicit tobacco use in Australia, where unregulated sales have become increasingly visible and widespread. Several factors including the affordability of illicit cigarettes, inconsistent enforcement, and limited access to affordable cessation tools were noted as reasons that smokers to seek out black market alternatives.
Public health experts caution against lowering tobacco taxes, warning it could reverse decades of progress in reducing smoking. Instead, they advocate for tighter control over tobacco supply through licensing and enforcement. Others argue that price disparities between legal and illicit products must be addressed to reduce demand for the black market. Some users also point to the high cost of quitting aids as a barrier to stopping, saying illicit tobacco remains their most affordable option. New licensing schemes in NSW and Victoria are expected to improve oversight, but experts say further action will be needed.
Source: ABC News, 21 July 2025
Editorial note: According to the World Bank and the WHO, tobacco taxes are the single most effective measure for reducing smoking prevalence. The evidence shows that tax increases do not have a significant impact on the illicit market, provided that they are accompanied by a comprehensive enforcement strategy and supply chain controls. The World Bank states that: “Contrary to tobacco industry arguments, raising tobacco taxes is not the primary cause of illicit trade. Accumulated evidence indicates that the illicit cigarette market is relatively larger in countries with low taxes and prices, while relatively smaller in countries with higher cigarette taxes and prices. Non-price factors such as governance status, weak regulatory framework, and the availability of informal distribution networks appear to be far more important factors.”
For more information:
https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/680311548773329872/executive-summary
|
|
Written questions
Asked by Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of alcohol industry messaging focused on personal responsibility in hindering progress on population-level measures to reduce alcohol harms.
Answered by Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care), Labour
The Government recognises alcohol as a public health issue which requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, harm reduction and treatment. There are numerous independent resources available which frame alcohol through a public health lens and provide accurate and independent advice and guidance to increase awareness of risks and harms associated with alcohol consumption, protect health and promote wellbeing in relation to alcohol consumption, such as the National Health Service website, the All Our Health: Alcohol e-training in NHS England, and various pieces of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines on alcohol.
The recently published 10-Year Health Plan includes a commitment to strengthen and expand on existing voluntary guidelines for alcohol labelling by introducing a mandatory requirement for alcoholic drinks to display consistent nutritional information and health warning messages. A mandatory requirement will bring alcohol labelling in line with existing health and nutritional labelling requirements for tobacco, food and alcohol-free drinks. This will ensure greater public awareness of the health risks of alcohol consumption and help consumers make more informed, healthier choices.
Source: Hansard, 18 July 2025
|
|
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here.
For more information email [email protected] or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
