Author: Emily Carter

Tobacco use remains a significant public health challenge in Europe, with smoking being the leading cause of premature death among European Union countries. To gain a better understanding of this complex issue, let's take a closer look at the rates of tobacco use across various European nations and explore some of the factors that may contribute to these patterns. Visualizing Tobacco Use Rates in Europe The table below offers a helpful starting point for our exploration. It visualizes the percentage of each European country's population aged 15 and older who use tobacco products, using data from the World Health Organization…

As of 2025, Russia has implemented stringent new rules governing the sale of devices used for consuming nicotine-containing products. The new legislation, Federal Law No. 178-FZ, which was passed on April 28, 2023, imposes significant restrictions on the sale of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other devices designed for inhaling nicotine or nicotine-free aerosol. Under the new regulations, these devices can only be sold in stationary stores and pavilions, with sales via the internet, at fairs, or through vending machines now completely prohibited. The law places a strong emphasis on protecting minors, with fines for selling cigarettes or vapes to adolescents…

In recent years, Belgium has seen a significant shift in cigarette consumption patterns, with more and more citizens opting to purchase their cigarettes from foreign countries or turning to counterfeit products. This trend has been highlighted in a recent study by Cimabel, the Belgian-Luxembourg federation of cigarette manufacturers, which estimates that over a third of cigarettes consumed in Belgium in the second quarter of 2024 were not purchased within the country or are counterfeit. To put this in perspective, just a year earlier, around 20% of cigarettes consumed in Belgium were obtained through these alternative channels. Now, that figure has…

Finland is preparing to enforce a strict ban on flavored nicotine pouches, allowing only menthol and mint flavors, in a move that has sparked controversy among tobacco harm reduction (THR) experts. The decision comes as neighboring countries Sweden and Norway continue to achieve impressive results in reducing smoking rates through the promotion of safer nicotine alternatives like snus and nicotine pouches. Reclassification and Proposed Regulations In April 2023, the Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) reclassified nicotine pouches as consumer goods, bringing them under the Tobacco Act and Chemicals Act. This change has enabled the government to propose tighter controls on the…

Fasting during Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also about controlling oneself from anything that can invalidate or reduce the value of worship. In today's world, smoking and vaping have become habits for some people, even during the holy month of Ramadan. The question arises: Is it permissible to smoke or vape during the day while fasting? Does this action merely reduce the reward, or does it completely invalidate the fast? The Debate Surrounding Smoking and Vaping During Fasting The debate around the norms of smoking and vaping during fasting is common, especially in this…

Drivers in the United Kingdom are being warned about a common habit that could cost them up to £5,000 in fines if caught doing it while driving. Experts at ecigator.com caution that vaping behind the wheel not only poses legal risks but can also significantly reduce visibility and lead to serious safety issues. Although vaping and smoking while driving is not illegal in the UK, unless there are people under 18 in the vehicle, it can severely compromise the driver's safety. As the experts point out, vaping "can significantly reduce your visibility and distract you" from the road. A poll…

The British government has announced a major new study to investigate the long-term health impact of vaping on children as young as eight years old. The £62 million research project, set to span a decade, will track the health and behavior of 100,000 individuals aged 8-18, collecting data on behavior, biology, and health records. The study comes as part of the government's efforts to address the rapid rise of vaping among British youth. Current estimates indicate that a quarter of children aged 11-15 have tried vaping. In response, the government is implementing several measures, including: The Department of Health emphasized…

Russian State Duma deputies have recently introduced a bill aimed at completely banning the circulation of vapes, as well as nicotine-free and nicotine-containing e-liquids. The proposed legislation, which has garnered support from all political factions, is scheduled for consideration in March 2023. This article will examine the rationale behind the ban, the potential public health benefits, and the possible economic and regulatory challenges it may face. Public Health Concerns Drive the Push for a Ban The primary motivation behind the proposed ban is a growing concern for public health. The bill's authors argue that vaping leads to addiction and increases…

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) has established new regulations for the sale, use, and advertising of electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, as well as heated tobacco and oral nicotine products. These measures, published in the Official Gazette on February 13, 2025, through Resolution No. 146, aim to protect minors and reduce public health risks associated with these products. Ban on Sales to Minors and Restrictions in Public Spaces According to the resolution, the sale of these products to minors is prohibited, as well as their advertising, promotion, sponsorship, and propaganda. Additionally, their use is restricted in a wide range…

The French parliament has approved legislation to ban single-use electronic cigarettes, commonly known as disposable vapes or "puffs". The bill, which received its final vote of approval in the Senate upper house on Thursday, February 13, 2025, makes France the second European Union country after Belgium to implement such a ban. Francesca Pasquini, the lawmaker who authored the bill, celebrated the parliamentary victory, emphasizing the dual benefits of the legislation. "It is a great victory in a two-pronged battle that we were fighting: an environmental battle against the polluting lithium batteries in these 'puffs', and a health battle for our…