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Researchers call for ban on vaping
Researchers speaking at the European Society of Cardiology conference have called for a global ban on e-cigarettes to protect child health. The cardiologists cite a University of California study from 2024 that links vaping with an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, asthma and other conditions. The researchers raised concerns that marketing strategies, including bright packaging and sweet flavours, are encouraging non-smokers and adolescents to take up vaping.
Caroline Cerny, Deputy CEO of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) highlighted that current studies still indicate vaping is less harmful than smoking and noted a recently published evidence review that concluded there is a lack of evidence linking e-cigarette use to cardiovascular disease. The Department of Health and Social Care emphasised that although vapes can help smokers quit, they should never be used by children or non-smokers.
Source: Daily Mail, 1 September 2025
Editorial note: Evidence consistently shows that while vaping is not risk-free, it is less harmful than smoking and a 2025 evidence review concluded there is lack of evidence supporting any association of e-cigarette use with cardiovascular disease. Similarly, a 2024 evidence review published by the Royal College of Physicians concluded that there is “clear evidence that e-cigarettes cause less harm to health than combustible tobacco.”
The 2024 study cited by the researchers has been critiqued by independent experts for misrepresenting the “epidemiologic evidence”, overstating the certainty of the findings and the quality of the studies included in the analysis, and discounting evidence from biomarker studies showing lower exposure to substances linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease among vape users compared to smokers.
ASH is calling on the government to fast track the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to give them the powers to crack down on youth vaping.
For more information see the ASH pages ‘Vaping: what you need to know’ and ‘Youth vaping: the facts’.
See also:
Original study: Glantz SA, Nguyen N, Oliveira da Silva AL. Population-based disease odds for e-cigarettes and dual use versus cigarettes. NEJM evidence. 2024 Feb 27;3(3):EVIDoa2300229.
Academic critique: Cummings M, Rigotti NA, Benowitz N, Hatsukami D. An Exchange about “Population-Based Disease Odds for E-Cigarettes and Dual Use versus Cigarettes”. NEJM Evid.. 2024 Jul 23;3.
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Underage sales of tobacco and vapes in Scotland raise alarm among regulators
A nationwide programme of test purchases has uncovered that many Scottish retailers are still selling cigarettes and e-cigarettes to under-18s, despite regulations. Trading Standards issued more than 260 penalties last year after attempted purchases resulted in illegal sales. Officials linked the problem to the strong appeal of brightly packaged and flavoured vapes.
The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland stressed that protecting children’s health is a priority and pledged to take enforcement action and support retailers with guidance. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute urged the government to strengthen legislation through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Source: Talking Retail, 1 September 2025
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Reports warn children drawn to gambling by celebrity and influencer promotions
Research commissioned by GambleAware has found that most teenagers in the UK encounter gambling content online, with many saying celebrity endorsements and sports stars make them more likely to want to try betting. Surveys revealed that a significant proportion of boys aged 16–17 felt encouraged to copy famous figures they saw gambling, despite widespread agreement among young people that such material should not be accessible to under-18s.
The studies also highlighted the presence of betting tips, promotional codes and content linked to unregulated activities, which blur the lines between gaming and gambling. Academics and campaigners warned that exposure at an early age risks embedding harmful habits.
Politicians have pressed for tighter advertising restrictions, while GambleAware called for urgent action to stop the saturation of gambling content in children’s online environments. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that strict rules already exist to prevent adverts targeting children but pledged to continue strengthening protections in collaboration with the industry.
Source: The Guardian, 2 September 2025
Editorial note: Media stories covering prevention of ill-health are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries.
Concerns have previously been raised that GambleAware receives funding from the gambling industry, leading to the NHS to take the decision to stop receiving GambleAware funding in 2022.
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NHS Confederation chief executive announces departure ahead of potential merger
Matthew Taylor has confirmed he will step down as chief executive of the NHS Confederation in April 2026 after nearly five years in the role. His announcement comes as the organisation explores a merger with NHS Providers, led by Daniel Elkeles, with a decision expected later this year.
During his tenure, Taylor highlighted the Confederation’s strengthened role in health policy and representation of its members. A former adviser to Tony Blair, he gave no reason for his departure and did not directly address the merger in his statement.
Source: Health Service Journal, 1 September 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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