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** 9 February 2023
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** UK
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** Snus use and smoking during pregnancy ‘increases risk of sudden infant death’, scientists warn (#1)
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** BAT to complete sale of Russian business in 2023 (#2)
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** Radio 4 You and Yours segment on disposable vapes (#3)
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** Parliamentary activity
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** 10 minute rule motion prohibiting sale of disposable electronic cigarettes brought by Conservative MP Caroline Johnson (#4)
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** UK
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** Snus use and smoking during pregnancy ‘increases risk of sudden infant death’, scientists warn

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden surveyed mothers who gave birth from 1999 to 2019 in Sweden to see whether they smoked or used snus — a tobacco product placed in the gums.

They cross referenced this with whether their child died while in the womb or from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) — the unexpected death of an apparently healthy baby.

Babies were three times more likely to die if their mothers used either product. The researchers said the findings suggest all nicotine products could pose a risk.

Dr Anna Gunnerbeck, of the Karolinska Institutet said: “Our study indicates that nicotine is a risk factor of sudden infant death, so we conclude that all types of nicotine products should be avoided during pregnancy.”

She told The Sun: "It is true that we have only studied smoking and Swedish snuff.”

But campaigners insist women who smoke should not be put off nicotine replacement products when trying to quit during pregnancy.

Hazel Cheeseman, of Action on Smoking and Health, told The Sun: “Smoking in pregnancy is a known risk for sudden infant death. Further evidence that snus may pose a risk to babies is concerning.

“However, mothers using nicotine replacement therapy or vapes to quit tobacco use during pregnancy should be reassured that this does not mean these products are harmful. In fact, nicotine replacement products are licensed medicines for use in pregnancy and have been shown to be safe.

“It is important that mothers and the people they live with do not smoke during pregnancy and keep any smoke outside once the baby is born to reduce the risk of harm to the baby.”

Source: The Sun, 9 February 2023

Pediatric Research. Association of maternal snuff use and smoking with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome—a register cohort study ([link removed]) . 2023.

Editorial note: The study looked specifically at the impact of smoking and Swedish snuff (snus) use during pregnancy. It did not examine the impact of nicotine replacement products (NRT) or nicotine e-cigarettes during pregnancy.

The claim that nicotine is the cause of the increased SIDS risk identified in the study is not supported by the evidence in the study. Both snus and cigarettes contain tobacco which has been shown to increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The study also did not account for variables such as the presence of secondhand smoke, which is a known risk factor for SIDS.

Evidence is clear that the risk to the baby from smoking during pregnancy does not result from nicotine, but from the thousands of other harmful chemicals in burnt tobacco, such as tar and carbon monoxide.

NRT is licenced for use during pregnancy and has been shown to be safe and effective for smoking cessation. A recent randomised control trial ([link removed]) found that vaping during pregnancy is effective for smoking cessation and as safe as licenced NRT products.

See also: Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group. Use of electronic cigarettes before, during and after pregnancy. A guide for maternity and other healthcare professionals. ([link removed])
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** BAT to complete sale of Russian business in 2023

British American Tobacco said on Thursday it expects to complete the sale of its Russian business to its local partner in 2023, as it looks to exit Russia, where it controlled almost a quarter of the market before the country invaded Ukraine.

Source: Reuters, 9 February 2023
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** Radio 4 You and Yours segment on disposable vapes

Yesterday (Wednesday 8th February), BBC Radio 4 show You and Yours, hosted by Winifred Robinson, ran a segment on the environmental impact of disposable vapes. Robinson questions John Dunne, director general of the UK vaping industry association, about the lack of recycling infrastructure needed to manage the growing use of disposable vapes.

Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, states that recyclers are beginning to understand how to adequately recycle these products but that a lack of funding is holding them back from being able to do this meaningfully.

Source: BBC Sounds. You and Yours (starting from 32:34), 8 February 2023

See also: Material Focus- One million single use vapes thrown away every week contributing to the growing e-waste challenge in the UK ([link removed])

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** Parliamentary activity
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** 10 minute rule motion prohibiting sale of disposable electronic cigarettes brought by Conservative MP Caroline Johnson

Conservative MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Dr Caroline Johnson, has brought a 10-minute rule bill on the banning of disposable electronic vapes.

First reading of the bill took place yesterday 8th February. The second reading will be presented on the 24th of March.

Source: Hansard, 8 February 2023

See also: OHID: Nicotine vaping in England: 2022 evidence update ([link removed])
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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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