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Call grows for UK ban on cigarette filters over health and environmental concerns
Public health experts are calling on the UK government to ban cigarette filters, explaining they offer no health benefits and significantly contribute to plastic pollution. In a new editorial published in the Addiction journal, researchers highlight that filters may actually increase the risk of harm by encouraging deeper inhalation and introducing microplastics into the lungs. Despite widespread belief among smokers that filters reduce risk, evidence shows they are ineffective and potentially more dangerous.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is seen as an opportunity to introduce further tobacco controls, including regulation on filters. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), emphasised that filters are a deceptive marketing tool used by the tobacco industry to maintain profits.
Source: The Guardian, 16 October 2025
See also: Katherine East, Eve Taylor, Ann McNeill, Shannon Gravely, Laura Bunce and Hazel Cheeseman ‘Banning cigarette filters in the United Kingdom: Time to correct misperceptions of harm’ Addiction, 15 October 2025.
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Behavioural science explains the success of Stoptober and other public health campaigns
Richard Shotton, founder of the consultancy Astroten, has explained in MarketingWeek that the effectiveness of Stoptober, the UK’s annual stop-smoking initiative, lies in its clever use of behavioural science principles. Shotton identifies that by presenting a clear, time-limited challenge and synchronising quit attempts across society, the campaign makes the task of quitting feel more manageable. It also acts as a timely prompt, helping individuals bridge the gap between intention and action - a technique proven to be more impactful than motivation alone.
The article also explores other campaigns that succeeded by tapping into how the human mind works. Altogether, these examples show that campaigns grounded in behavioural science are more likely to be remembered and acted upon.
Source: MarketingWeek, 17 October 2025
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Government launches online awareness campaign on drugs and contaminated vapes
The UK government has launched a new campaign warning young people about the dangers of counterfeit drugs and vapes containing illegal drugs. Of particular concern are vaping products containing dangerous substances such as Spice, which has been found in vapes purchased online and even in schools.
The campaign highlights how these unregulated products are often marketed to teenagers on social media, with some users unknowingly inhaling harmful chemicals.
To tackle the issue, the government has released online awareness videos targeting 16–24 year olds and pledged an additional £310 million for drug treatment services.
Source: The Mirror, 16 October 2025
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France sees sharp fall in smoking rates as public health measures take hold
Smoking in France has declined significantly in recent years, with the adult smoking rate dropping from 32% to 24% between 2021 and 2024. This marks one of the steepest declines in the country’s history, as public health campaigns, high cigarette prices, and stricter smoking bans appear to be having a substantial impact.
The change brings France closer to the smoking levels seen in countries like the UK and is being welcomed by health officials as a major step forward. Despite this progress, smoking remains more prevalent among people on lower incomes and those living in southern regions.
Recent measures, including bans on smoking in outdoor areas where children are present, have been widely accepted by the public. However, smoking still persists in café terraces, which remain largely untouched by legislation. The government continues to aim for a tobacco-free France by 2032.
Source: The Times, 16 October 2025
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Co-op trials age estimation technology in Jersey
The Channel Island Co-op has introduced new age estimation technology in ten Jersey stores to prevent underage sales of restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, and vapes. The system, developed by digital identity firm Yoti, uses facial analysis via in-store tablets to assess a customer's age. If the individual appears over 20, they are allowed to proceed; otherwise, traditional ID must be shown.
The Co-op has emphasised that the images are deleted immediately after processing, and no data is stored. The trial is being run in partnership with British American Tobacco.
Source: BBC News, 16 October 2025
Editorial note: Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into industry activity.
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ASH Blog – Towards a Smokefree Future: Supporting Social Housing Tenants to Quit in Sheffield
In this blog post, Sarah Hepworth, Sheffield Tobacco Control Strategy Lead and Associate Director of South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance, shares information about reducing smoking among tenants of social housing in Sheffield. Sarah Hepworth discusses why smoking matters for local authorities and housing providers and explains what has been done in Sheffield.
Source: ASH, 15 October 2025
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ASH video- Dr Chris Van Tulleken reveals the truth about cigarette filters
In this video, Dr Chris Van Tulleken explains the health misperceptions behind cigarette filters, and the environmental concerns.
Source: ASH, 16 October 2025
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Royal College of Physicians blog – Why sector coalitions are critical for tackling CVD inequalities
In this blog post Amy Murgatroyd, Senior Policy Officer at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), explains findings from BHF’s report that shows how socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and gender can shape people’s access to prevention, treatment, and ongoing care.
Source: Royal College of Physicians, 9 October 2025
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Local Government Association blog – Illicit tobacco: A shrinking market, but a persistent local threat
In this blog, Lord Michael Bichard and Councillor Dr Wendy Taylor explain that national figures show a decline in the illicit market over the last 20 years, and discuss the difficulties in addressing illicit tobacco in local communities.
Source: Local Government Association
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BBC Look North – Stop smoking services in North East Lincolnshire
Jillian Cunningham shares on BBC Look North why she quit smoking, and the coverage shines a light on the work of stop smoking services in North East Lincolnshire.
Source: BBC Look North, 16 October 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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