Author: moonswamp

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,…

The Turkish Anti-Smoking Association (TSSD) has called for a ban on smoking in open areas throughout Turkey, following the example set by Milan, Italy. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, the General President of TSSD, emphasized that such a ban would be a crucial step in addressing the country's air pollution problem, particularly in metropolitan cities. Protecting Public Health and the Environment Smoking in open areas poses a significant threat not only to smokers but also to passive smokers, including children and the elderly. Prof. Dr. Aydın stressed the urgent need to safeguard public health by implementing stricter regulations. He argued that…

A groundbreaking study from University College London (UCL) has quantified the devastating toll smoking takes on human life: each cigarette smoked reduces a person's life expectancy by an average of 20 minutes. The research, commissioned by the UK's Department for Health and Social Care, not only highlights the immense harm caused by smoking but also emphasizes the life-saving potential of quitting. Let's dive into the study's findings and explore how they underscore the importance of smoking cessation efforts, both for individuals and public health initiatives. The Escalator of Death: How Smoking Steals Years of Life The UCL researchers conducted a…

Tobacco consumption claims the lives of approximately 45,000 people each year in Mexico, with an average of 118 deaths occurring daily. Despite warnings about the risks of cancer, pulmonary emphysema, and other serious health problems, nicotine addiction continues to outweigh the deterrents for many smokers. Smoking Causes 70% of Annual Deaths Worldwide According to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), smoking-related diseases account for 70% of all annual deaths worldwide, with 38% of these deaths occurring prematurely between the ages of 30 and 70. The most common diseases resulting from cigarette consumption include: Flavored Vapes Attract Minors and Women Data…

Milan, Italy's financial and fashion capital, has implemented a comprehensive ban on smoking in outdoor and public areas, effective January 1, 2025. The citywide ban, which is the toughest extension of a series of bans that began in 2021, aims to improve the quality of the city's air and protect citizens from the harmful effects of passive smoke. Under the new laws, individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas could face fines ranging from €40 to €240. Local officials emphasize that the measure applies to "all public spaces, including streets," with an exception for isolated places. Smokers in isolated spaces must…

The government has announced plans to supply free vaping starter kits to stop-smoking services across the country, starting next week, as part of its final push to achieve the Smokefree 2025 goal. The initiative aims to help adult smokers quit cigarettes by providing them with an effective alternative. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello stated that clients will receive a vape device and a month's supply of nicotine pods each month for three months, along with ongoing support from stop-smoking services. The kits will be available to adult smokers at no cost. Vaping Proven to be an Effective Tool for Quitting…

As we enter the new year, many Scots are resolving to quit smoking. In 2023, 15% of adults in Scotland identified as current smokers, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2022, according to Scottish Government statistics. However, what many may not realize is that their diet can play a significant role in the success of their smoking cessation efforts. David Phillips, a representative from Vape Superstore, has shared his expertise on the best and worst foods to consume when trying to quit smoking. By incorporating these dietary tips into your smoking cessation plan, you can increase your chances of…

On December 21, 2024, the Spanish government published Law 7/2024, which establishes a new tax on liquids for electronic cigarettes and other products related to tobacco (the "new Tax"). This law is part of a broader package of measures that also includes a Complementary Tax to comply with the EU's Pillar Two directive on minimum corporate taxation and a Tax on the interest and commission margin of certain financial entities. Implementation Delayed to Allow Adaptation While Law 7/2024 initially set the new Tax to take effect from January 1, 2025, the government subsequently passed Royal Decree-law 9/2024 on December 23,…