Author: moonswamp

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…

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…