View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** 13 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
UK


** Rise in child hospital admissions linked to nicotine pouch use (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Smoking rate disparities in North Northamptonshire prompt rethink of local support services (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Pregnant women encouraged to seek support to quit smoking at any stage (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Government overhauls post-ministerial job rules in ethics reform (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------
International


** EU commission proposes ban on nicotine pouches and flavours (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Quitting smoking can significantly extend survival even in advanced cancer cases (#6)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Rising youth death rates worldwide prompt health concerns (#7)
------------------------------------------------------------
UK


** Rise in child hospital admissions linked to nicotine pouch use

Health officials have raised concerns over an increase in hospital admissions involving children swallowing nicotine pouches. Data reveals a rise in both adult and child hospitalisations related to nicotine pouch overdoses over recent years. Experts warn that these pouches pose a risk of nicotine poisoning if misused, particularly for children, and urge safe storage and prompt medical attention if suspected nicotine poisoning occurs.

Current regulations do not restrict the sale or marketing of nicotine pouches, which fall outside existing tobacco and nicotine product laws. The article notes that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill would introduce regulations for these products for the first time. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute and public health researchers stress the need for regulations to protect young people as the popularity of these products grows.

Source: The Telegraph, 12 October 2025

Editorial note: The NHS data cited by the Telegraph refers to cases of suspected nicotine pouch ingestion or overdoses. The article sometimes refers to nicotine pouches as 'snus'. Snus is a form of oral tobacco which is popular in Sweden – but banned in the UK and the EU. Nicotine pouches look similar to snus but they do not contain tobacco and are legal in the UK. Nicotine pouches are covered by general consumer product safety regulations in the UK, meaning they have no age of sale or restrictions on nicotine content or marketing. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will bring regulation of nicotine pouches in line with vapes, ban marketing and introduce a minimum age of sale.

Recent data from ASH highlights an increase in youth awareness of nicotine pouches, rising from 38% to 43% among under-18s between 2024 and 2025, with nearly 4% of teenagers having tried them, equating to around 210,000 children.

See also: Nicotine pouches ([link removed]) – ASH | ASH calls for swift legislation on nicotine pouches as new data shows surge in youth awareness ([link removed]) – ASH
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Smoking rate disparities in North Northamptonshire prompt rethink of local support services

Public health officials in North Northamptonshire are exploring changes to stop smoking services in Corby, where smoking rates in some areas reach 30%. The council is conducting research to understand why existing support has not been effective for certain groups. While the wider local authority has a smoking rate slightly above the national average, the rate among manual workers is significantly higher. Tailored interventions may be introduced following community feedback, building on existing support that includes free nicotine replacement and e-cigarettes. Backed by long-term government funding, local leaders remain hopeful that smoking rates can be reduced through targeted, flexible approaches.

Source: BBC News, 13 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Pregnant women encouraged to seek support to quit smoking at any stage

A consultant midwife at Wirral University Teaching Hospital speaks about the tailored stop smoking support available to pregnant women and highlights the serious health risks smoking poses during pregnancy. Smoking increases the chances of miscarriage, premature birth, and breathing issues for newborns, while also affecting the mother's health. However, quitting at any stage of pregnancy can significantly reduce these risks. The hospital’s maternity team works closely with Wirral’s stop smoking service to offer personalised support, including free nicotine replacement and expert guidance.
Speaking during Stoptober, the midwife stressed that while the campaign is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, the same support is available every day of the year.

Source: Wirral Council, 13 October 2025

See other local Stoptober articles: Medical Matters: Take the first step towards going smoke-free this Stoptober ([link removed]) – Torbay Today
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Government overhauls post-ministerial job rules in ethics reform

The UK government has scrapped the body that previously oversaw jobs taken by ministers after leaving office, redistributing its duties to two existing regulators. As part of a wider ethics shake-up, a new oversight body—the Ethics and Integrity Commission—has been launched to coordinate standards across public life. The reforms include stricter conditions on severance pay for departing ministers, particularly in cases of misconduct or rapid reappointment. Former ministers who breach post-office job rules may now be required to return severance payments. The new commission will also support the implementation of future legislation aimed at promoting honesty and transparency in public service. While the changes are designed to restore trust in politics, the overall impact of the restructuring remains uncertain.

Source: The Guardian, 13 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
International


** EU commission proposes ban on nicotine pouches and flavours

A draft report from the European Commission reportedly outlines plans to propose a ban on nicotine pouches and flavourings in tobacco and nicotine products. These measures are expected to be presented at the upcoming WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control conference (COP11) in Switzerland. The proposals also include new environmental regulations targeting product filters and single-use plastics, along with restrictions on comparative product claims. The EU health ministers will discuss and negotiate the position during the conference.

Source: Asian Trader, 10 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Quitting smoking can significantly extend survival even in advanced cancer cases

New observational research published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network highlights that cancer patients who stop smoking within six months of diagnosis have a markedly lower risk of dying within two years compared to those who continue. This survival benefit was consistent across all cancer types and stages, including advanced cancers where treatment options are often limited. Despite the clear advantages, only about one in five smokers quit following their diagnosis. Experts emphasise that smoking cessation should be regarded as a fundamental part of cancer care, alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Given that smoking remains a leading cause of cancer, increased funding and access to stop-smoking support services are crucial to help patients improve their outcomes and quality of life.

Source: The Independent, 10 October 2025

See also: Tohmasi S, Baker TB, Heiden BT, et al. Smoking cessation and mortality risk in cancer survivorship: real-world data from a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center ([link removed]) . J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2025 Oct;23(10). doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2025.7059.
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Rising youth death rates worldwide prompt health concerns

The latest findings from the Global Burden of Disease study reveal an increase in death rates among teenagers and young adults despite overall improvements in life expectancy and reductions in mortality across all countries. The causes vary by region, with substance misuse and suicide contributing to higher deaths in North and Latin America, while infectious diseases, pregnancy-related complications, and injuries remain prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, were found to be linked to rising youth mortality.
The study also found that chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes now account for two-thirds of all ill health globally, and that half of the world’s disease burden is preventable, driven by modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, air pollution, smoking, and obesity. The findings highlight the need for integrated, youth-focused health strategies, especially in low-income regions facing funding cuts.

Source: The Guardian, 12 October 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here. ([link removed])

For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk ([link removed])

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.

============================================================
Our mailing address is:
Action on Smoking and Health
Unit 2.9, The Foundry
17 Oval Way
London
SE11 5RR

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])