Author: moonswamp

Uzbekistan is poised to join the growing list of countries cracking down on e-cigarettes, as the Legislative (lower) Chamber of the Parliament has given the nod to a draft law that would completely prohibit the sale of these controversial devices and their associated liquids. According to a Kazinform correspondent, the proposed legislation aims to ban the sale of all electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes and the liquids used in them. The move comes as part of a broader effort to promote healthy lifestyles among the Uzbek population, particularly youth. Health Risks at the Heart of the Ban The Parliament's…

As e-cigarettes gain popularity as a potentially healthier alternative to traditional smoking, medical professionals are increasingly warning about the associated health risks. One surprising concern that has recently come to light is the phenomenon known as "vape tongue," which refers to a temporary loss or reduction in the sense of taste among e-cigarette users. Understanding the Vaping Process E-cigarettes, powered by a battery, contain a heating element that vaporizes a liquid (often referred to as "e-liquid" or "vape juice") containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. Users inhale the resulting vapor, a process known as "vaping." In Germany, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are…

Antoni Baena, a professor of Health Sciences Studies at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and a smoking cessation expert, has warned that vaping has a "direct, rapid, and clear impact on health." He emphasizes the importance of quitting as soon as possible, as the long-term effects of vaping remain unknown. Nicotine Addiction and Lack of Regulation Baena explains that many e-cigarette liquids contain nicotine, even if not explicitly stated, due to the lack of strict regulation and control. This lack of transparency can lead to addiction among users. Moreover, the expert highlights the growing ecological impact of e-cigarettes, particularly…

As 2025 begins, many people in Spain, including those in Ceuta, set new year's resolutions to change their habits and leave harmful practices behind. One such habit that has gained popularity in recent years is vaping, which many people mistakenly believe to be less harmful than smoking tobacco. Vaping Risks and Misconceptions Antoni Baena, an expert in tobacco addiction and professor at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), debunks the myth that vaping is less harmful than smoking. He explains, "There is no scientific basis to say that e-cigarettes are less harmful, for several reasons. Firstly, there are very few…

Spain's Minister of Health, Mónica García, has declared that 2024 has been a year of laying the foundation for rebuilding the country's essential healthcare system. Among the Ministry's most notable achievements this year are the approval of the Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking (PIT) 2024-2027 and the Primary Care Action Plan. Tobacco Control Measures and E-Cigarette Regulations On April 30, the Council of Ministers approved the PIT 2024-2027, which will be implemented through legislative amendments to Law 28/2005 and Royal Decree 579/2017. The Ministry has already submitted a draft amendment to Royal Decree 579/2017 for public…

Tobacco prices in Spain are set to increase in 2025, following the elimination of the VAT reduction on food products and the implementation of new tax regulations. While the food sector is not the only one affected by these changes, smokers, who represent 22.1% of Spaniards over the age of 15 according to the INE, will also feel the impact of the price hikes. New Prices for Cigarettes and Tobacco Products As per Article 4 of Law 13/1998, of May 4, on the Regulation of the Tobacco Market and Tax Regulations, tobacco products will see a cost increase this year.…

Bangladesh's interim government has implemented an immediate ban on the import of e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) in an effort to protect public health. The commerce ministry issued a notification on January 7, 2023, announcing the ban, which takes effect immediately, according to the state news agency. This decision comes nearly a month after the government took steps to restrict the import of all e-cigarette-related products. The ban aims to safeguard public health and protect future generations from the harmful effects of these devices. WHO Warns of Growing Evidence of Health Risks In December 2023, the World Health…

Recent inspections conducted by the SPF Health in Belgium have uncovered a disturbing trend among e-cigarette vendors, with half of them found to be in violation of the recently implemented stricter regulations. In Brussels, the infraction rate soars to an alarming 80%, as reported by Het Nieuwsblad, Gazet van Antwerpen, Het Belang van Limburg, and De Standaard on Monday. The new rules, which came into effect 18 months ago, prohibit the use of gadgets designed to make e-cigarettes more eye-catching and appealing. Additionally, vendors are not allowed to employ enthusiastic slogans that give the impression that vaping is beneficial to…

As the European Union grapples with the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping products, several member states have introduced regulatory measures to address this new public health challenge. While overall vaping rates remain relatively low across Europe, the latest OECD report reveals considerably higher consumption among young people, with Luxembourg, Estonia, and the Czech Republic recording the highest rates above 10%. Vaping Rates Soar Among Youth In 2022, the average vaping rate among 15-24 year olds in the EU reached 6.5%, with Estonia leading the pack at 30%, followed by the Czech Republic at 25% and Luxembourg at 20%. Interestingly,…

The Spanish government has announced that e-cigarette liquids and nicotine pouches will be subject to the same taxes as conventional tobacco products under the Special Taxes category starting April 1, 2025. While this measure was initially set to take effect on January 1, the government has decided to postpone the implementation to provide more time for businesses to adapt to the new tax regulations. Tax Rates for Vaping Products As of April 1, 2025, wholesalers, retailers, and any individual or legal entity holding these products for commercial purposes must declare their existing stock between April 1 and April 30, 2025,…