Author: moonswamp

It’s no secret that smoking harms your health. Beyond its well-known effects on the lungs and heart, smoking also impacts the scalp and hair, potentially worsening conditions like baldness or alopecia. If you’ve ever wondered whether smoking contributes to hair loss, the answer is a resounding yes. Research shows that smoking can indeed lead to thinning hair and even accelerate hair loss. Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss? While the dangers of cigarette smoke to overall health are widely recognized, its effects on the skin and hair are less commonly discussed. A recent study published in Archives of Dermatology examined 743 patients aged 40-90…

The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, plans to include a bill banning the retail sale of vapes and related liquids in Russia in its approximate work plan for March 2025, according to a draft resolution from the Duma's health protection committee obtained by TASS. The proposed legislation, introduced by representatives of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), seeks to amend the law "On Protecting the Health of Citizens from the Effects of Ambient Tobacco Smoke, the Consequences of Tobacco Consumption or the Consumption of Nicotine-Containing Products." State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin referred the document…

Ireland has announced plans to implement a licensing system for shops selling e-cigarettes and tobacco products, set to take effect on February 2, 2026. Under the new regulations, retailers will be required to pay an annual license fee of €800 for vaping products and €1,000 for tobacco products. Shops selling both will need to pay both fees. The primary goals of this measure are to prevent the illegal sale of certain products and ensure that the ban on sales to minors is strictly enforced by all professionals in the industry. Retailers will also be required to register in a special…

Despite rumors circulating on social media, the Czech government and the Ministry of Health have no immediate plans to ban e-cigarettes or their flavors. While the Ministry of Health has been preparing a decree to regulate the expansion of electronic cigarettes, the proposed ban on fruit and other flavors will likely be postponed for the time being. Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) confirmed this stance, stating that the European Union does not require such measures and that similar regulations should be addressed on a European-wide basis. However, Válek also acknowledged that his department is currently exploring options to…

The Mexican Senate has passed the General Law for Tobacco Control with 97 votes in favor, seeking to ban all advertising of tobacco products and designate workplaces, public and private buildings, sports centers, stadiums, and parks as smoke-free spaces. The initiative, which has been sent to the Federal Executive for promulgation, aims to improve public health and reduce tobacco consumption in the country. Key Provisions of the New Law The new legislation prohibits all advertising, sponsorship, or promotion of tobacco products, whether directly or indirectly. It also bans incentives that encourage the purchase of these products, meaning that no promotional…

The Alberta government has announced the introduction of two new taxes that will take effect in 2025, as outlined in its 2024-25 budget. These taxes include a vape tax and a registration fee for electric vehicles. Vape Tax Details and Purpose The vape tax, which comes into effect on Wednesday, aims to discourage the use of vaping products, particularly among young Albertans. The government cites data showing that one-third of Albertans between the ages of 15 and 19 currently vape. The tax will be charged at a rate of $1.12 per two millilitres (mL) of vape product for the first…

Vaping enthusiasts in Kyrgyzstan might want to start stocking up on their favorite e-liquids and devices, because come July 1, 2025, the country is set to ban the import, circulation, and use of electronic cigarettes altogether, as Kabar reported. President Sadyr Zhaparov put pen to paper on the new law, which aims to protect the health and well-being of Kyrgyz citizens from the potential risks associated with using e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan's parliament, had already given the legislation the green light back on October 23, 2024. But the ban isn't just about keeping e-cigs out of…

Electronic cigarette enthusiasts in Belarus may soon face a new hurdle, as the country plans to prohibit vaping in specific areas. The "Onliner" reports that the discussion of a draft law containing these changes concluded on Thursday. Proposed Vaping Restrictions The upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament initiated the draft law on state regulation of the circulation and consumption of non-tobacco nicotine-containing products, commonly known as vapes. The document includes a provision that directly affects vaping enthusiasts. The proposed legislation seeks to ban vaping and smoking tobacco products on the steps of multi-apartment buildings, dormitories, and adjacent territories. The draft…

Snus, a moist tobacco product placed under the upper lip, has been gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Manufacturers promote snus as a convenient and "less harmful" option, emphasizing the absence of smoke and ash. However, behind the enticing marketing promises lie significant health risks that every user should be aware of before considering snus as a viable alternative to smoking. How Snus Works: A Rapid Nicotine Delivery System When a user places snus under their upper lip, the moist tobacco comes into direct contact with the mucous membrane. This allows the nicotine in the product to…

Morocco will implement another round of cigarette price hikes in 2025, with entry-level brands experiencing the most significant increases. The adjustments, which raise the cost of some packs by up to MAD 2 ($0.20) while minimally impacting premium brands, align with the government's goal of creating a more balanced market by narrowing the gap between low-cost and premium cigarettes. Domestic Consumption Tax Reforms Drive Price Changes The price changes are part of the ongoing Domestic Consumption Tax (TIC) reforms on tobacco products, which were outlined in the 2022 Finance Law and will continue through 2026. The government aims to address…