Author: Elena Harper

Teen vaping refers to the use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents, a trend that has rapidly outpaced traditional smoking among South African youth. A new study and local reports from the North Coast highlight a growing addiction crisis, with experts warning of long-term consequences for the developing brain. Alarming Statistics: Vaping Eclipses Smoking in Schools A 2024 study by the University of Cape Town (UCT), covering 25,000 pupils across 52 schools, paints a concerning picture. While tobacco cigarette use was reported at just 2%, 16.8% of students identified as vapers. This prevalence increases significantly with age, reaching nearly 30% among…

Dual use refers to the concurrent consumption of traditional combustible cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (vapes). While often viewed with skepticism by public health officials concerned that it might prolong smoking habits, new research from Queen Mary University of London challenges this narrative, suggesting it may actually facilitate long-term cessation. Study Insights: Dual Use as a Pathway to Quitting The study, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, followed 886 adult smokers in the UK over one year. Participants were offered either e-cigarettes or traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to assist their quit attempts. The findings revealed a distinct advantage for those who…

Vietnam has significantly tightened its regulations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, introducing substantial fines for both users and those who facilitate their use. Under the newly issued Decree 371, effective December 31, individuals caught using these devices face fines ranging from 3 million to 5 million dong (approximately US$114–$190). Authorities are also empowered to confiscate and destroy the offending products. The crackdown extends to property owners and managers. Individuals who allow others to use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco on their premises can be fined between 5 million and 10 million dong. For organizations, these penalties double, reaching up…

The enforcement team in the London borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) has confiscated 12,263 illicit vapes with a total value of £106,236 since April 2021. Nearly £24,000 of this total has been seized in the last seven months alone, highlighting an ongoing crackdown on non-compliant products. “It’s up to shopkeepers to comply with the law,” warned Doug Love from H&F Trading Standards. “The message is clear – we’re watching. We monitor shops, and we will remove illegal goods.” This action comes as some retailers have been slow to adapt to the UK’s disposable vape ban, which took effect on…

The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved a draft for a new anti-tobacco law that will legally equate conventional cigarettes with vapes (e-cigarettes) and significantly expand smoke-free and vape-free zones across the country. The bill’s flagship measure is a proposed ban on smoking and vaping on the outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants. The draft law will now undergo a public exposure period and a second review by the Council before heading to parliament for final approval. Health Minister Mónica García justified the new law by stating “there is no such thing as healthy tobacco” and that there is no…

A new study comparing smoking and vaping trends in Australia and New Zealand between 2016 and 2023 suggests that New Zealand’s more liberal and regulated approach to vaping has led to a significantly faster reduction in daily smoking rates compared to Australia’s more restrictive model. The research highlights how different regulatory frameworks can directly influence public health outcomes, offering valuable lessons for countries seeking to balance tobacco control with harm reduction strategies. During the study period, Australia maintained a highly restrictive approach, where nicotine vaping products (NVPs) have required a doctor’s prescription since 2011. In contrast, New Zealand shifted its…

The Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued two new Department Administrative Orders (DAOs) to significantly tighten regulations on vape products, focusing on advertising that appeals to minors and reinforcing import controls to ensure product quality and safety. DAO 25-09 strengthens the prohibition on using vape flavor descriptors in advertising, sales, and displays that could entice children. Under this order, any reference to fruits, candies, desserts, cartoon characters, or celebrities in marketing or packaging is presumed to be unduly appealing to minors and is therefore illegal. Violators face penalties under Republic Act No. 11900, which can include fines ranging…

Poland has taken a decisive step to protect its youth from nicotine addiction by enacting a new law that bans the sale of all types of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and nicotine pouches to individuals under the age of 18. Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed the amendment, which aims to make these products officially inaccessible to teenagers. The new regulations are comprehensive, extending the sales ban to online purchases and vending machines, effectively closing common loopholes exploited by minors. Retail stores will be required to display special warnings about this prohibition. These sales restrictions are expected to take effect within…

The United Kingdom has turned a significant page in its approach to nicotine products. As of Sunday, June 1, 2025, a nationwide ban on the sale and supply of single-use disposable vapes has officially come into force. This landmark legislation, implemented across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, means these often colorful and flavored “puff bars” can no longer be legally sold by any retailer, whether in physical shops or online. The move follows months of debate and growing concerns surrounding the environmental impact of these devices and their alarming popularity among young people. But with the ban now active,…

Legislation proposing a new 10 cents per milliliter tax on consumable vapor products (HB529) cleared an Alabama House committee on April 8th. Sponsored by Rep. David Faulkner (R-District 46), the bill aims to levy the new tax while also funding enforcement against illegal vape sales. It passed the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee after brief discussion and minor amendments. Under HB529, consumers would pay the 10¢/ml tax at retail on nicotine liquids or other materials depleted during vaping, in addition to state sales tax. This new state tax would replace any existing local vape taxes. Revenue would be…