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** 27 January 2025
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** UK
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** Study highlights effective methods for quitting smoking (#1)
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** MPs call for clarity on pharmacists’ role in promoting vapes to aid smoking cessation (#2)
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** International
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** FDA halts menthol cigarette ban, disappointing public health advocates (#3)
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** Canada's delay in national vaping flavour controls raises alarm (#4)
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** Osaka expands smoking restrictions in preparation for Expo 2025 (#5)
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** Opinion: How flawed American regulations and lobbying have fuelled youth vaping (#6)
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** UK
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** Study highlights effective methods for quitting smoking

A new study has revealed that nearly half of those trying to quit smoking in England rely on less effective methods for quitting such as willpower or over-the-counter nicotine replacement (NRT) products. The research, funded by Cancer Research UK, found that e-cigarettes, prescribed NRT, heated tobacco products, and medications such as varenicline significantly improve success rates.

Lead author Dr Sarah Jackson called for better communication to inform smokers about which quitting aids are most effective.

Source: The Guardian, 24 January 2025

Editorial note: The study was limited by small sample sizes for some quitting aids, for example heated tobacco which was only used by 46 participants (0.7% of the sample). The researchers highlighted the need for the study to be updated when further data is available. Heated tobacco is not recommended for smoking cessation due to the fact it contains tobacco. Smoking cessation aids recommended by NICE include NRT, e-cigarettes and medications such as varenicline and bupropion.

See also: JAMA Network - Prevalence of Popular Smoking Cessation Aids in England and Associations With Quit Success ([link removed])
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** MPs call for clarity on pharmacists’ role in promoting vapes to aid smoking cessation

Shadow Health Secretary, Dr Caroline Johnson and Conservative MP, Gregory Stafford have called for amendments to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to protect pharmacists who promote vaping as a quit-smoking aid. During committee stage, Johnson warned the law could criminalise healthcare professionals, while Stafford stressed the need for clear guidance.

Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan criticised the proposed amendments to the Bill, arguing they could create loopholes for the vaping industry to exploit. Al-Hassan dismissed the changes as unnecessary, emphasising that current regulations already protect smoking cessation efforts in pharmacies and GP clinics.

The debate comes as pharmacies increasingly assist in smoking cessation efforts, with pilot schemes offering vape starter kits.

Source: C+D, 24 January 2025

Editorial note: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will prohibit the advertising and sponsorship of vaping products. This is not expected to prevent public health bodies from promoting vapes for smoking cessation, for example through the national swap to stop campaign. The government and the ASA will issue guidance on this before the advertising ban comes into force.
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** International
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** FDA halts menthol cigarette ban, disappointing public health advocates

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially cancelled its proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars, a move that public health groups, particularly Action on Smoking and Health USA (ASH), have strongly criticised. The proposed ban, which had been delayed multiple times, was seen as a crucial step in reducing tobacco-related deaths, especially among Black smokers, who predominantly use menthol products. Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy, ASH USA’s managing attorney, condemned the decision, stating that it prioritised tobacco industry profits over lives. Public health organisations expressed disappointment, urging local authorities to increase efforts to eliminate menthol products.

Source: Today Headline, 24 January 2025
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** Canada's delay in national vaping flavour controls raises alarm

Health groups in Canada are voicing concern over the federal government's increasing reluctance to implement a nationwide ban on vaping flavours, a measure that has been repeatedly recommended by health officials since 2020. Despite earlier commitments to restrict flavours and a clear rise in youth vaping rates, the government's promise of action now seems uncertain, with officials citing logistical issues and the upcoming election as obstacles.

Source: CBC News, 26 January 2025
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** Osaka expands smoking restrictions in preparation for Expo 2025

Ahead of the World Expo 2025, Osaka has extended its smoking ban to cover all public streets in the city. This move is aimed at ensuring a smoke-free environment for the expected influx of international visitors. The new regulations, which came into effect this week, impose a 1,000 yen fine for violators. Smoking was previously restricted to six specific zones, including around Osaka Station. Additional restrictions will apply from April in restaurants with seating areas larger than 30 square metres, although designated smoking rooms will still be permitted.

Source: News.com.au, 27 January 2025
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** Opinion: How flawed American regulations and lobbying have fuelled youth vaping

Writing for Politico, assistant editor at The Atlantic, Marc Novicoff argues that the US has failed to control the sale of flavoured vape products and prevent youth vaping due to legal loopholes and industry lobbying. According to Novicoff, teenage vaping remains a significant problem in the United States, with middle and high school students regularly using vapes, often those marketed with flavours appealing to young people.

Novicoff points to Oklahoma State, arguing that their 2021 bill intended to limit vape sales to Federal Drug Administration approved products has been undermined by bureaucratic mismanagement and lobbying by vape manufacturers. Other states have faced similar struggles, with inadequate resources and unclear legislation allowing certain non-authorised vapes to remain in circulation.

Novicoff emphasises that at a federal level, the incoming Trump administration is unlikely to address these issues. Trump’s new chief of staff, Susie Wiles, is a former lobbyist for the tobacco industry and is associated with vape manufacturers.

Source: Politico, 26 January 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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