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Dr. Marewa Glover is an experienced behavioural scientist, prolific author, and a compassionate advocate for tobacco harm reduction.

We sit down with [**Dr. Marewa Glover**](https://twitter.com/marewaglover), Director at the [Centre of Research Excellence: Indigenous Sovereignty & Smoking](https://coreiss.com/home). Dr. Glover is a Māori (New Zealand indigenous) behavioural scientist with over 30 years' experience in public health. She has written over [100 scientific papers](https://coreiss.com/publications) and is well known for her compassionate insight and **advocacy on tobacco harm reduction**. Dr. Glover was appointed as Tobacco Section Editor for the international [Harm Reduction Journal](https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/about?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiJSeBhCCARIsAHnAzT_WapZOUObnh1u7UnkPUv6q6UOEHk9amGdjk0_66yR17cgn5cF4k3MaAqLaEALw_wcB) in 2019.

Click [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsYMs8QLHCQ) to watch the **full episode** or on the topics below from the episode:

[Current Work](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etYzWcExHw0)

[SNUS was Never Illegal](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IATv2hIoE)

[NZ has Highest Priced Tobacco Relative to Income](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0jC7wPGtyw)

[The Lack of Cessation Advice in NZ for Women](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-PUOz8cDQc)

[There's No Good Basis to Deny Pregnant Women THR](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLlpg7Ifpc8)

Click [HERE](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/resources) to read more about tobacco harm reduction **RESOURCES.**

Click [HERE](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr) to read our home page and access our **THR E - BOOK.**

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Meet DR. MAREWA GLOVER in latest #WomeninTHR episode

Women in THR: Coffee Chat with Dr Marewa Glover | Full Webinar

Australian government could prevent up to 104,200 deaths by 2080 by relaxing restrictions on vaping products, says Georgetown University (USA) study.

A [**study**](https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntac210) carried out by a leading institution investigates the potential impact of reducing the restrictions on vaping products on public health in Australia. The accepted manuscript, which is published in the journal **Nicotine & Tobacco Research**, was authored by leading researchers **Professors David Levy, Coral Gartner, Ron Borland and Michael Cummings.**

**[Click here](https://tobaccoharmreduction.net/en/articles/Georgetown-University-(USA)-st)** to read the full article. 

To access our **e - book** click [**here**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf).

[**Click here**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products) to review some information about **smoking cessation products** and to find out more about saving lives through THR advocacy click [**here**](https://media.thr.net/documents/THR_-_Lives_Saved.pdf). 

![SAVM study - Aus.jpeg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/f235d472c8d6f96ab6938deb2ead7e96.jpeg)





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Relaxed controls on vaping products could prevent Aussie deaths

Articles

The draft strategy sets out the Welsh Government’s vision for a **smoke-free Wales by 2030**, this means achieving a smoking prevalence rate in adults of **5%** or less over the next eight years.

To support this ambition, they will be driving forward work across their three key themes of **Reducing Inequalities, Future Generations and a Whole-System Approach** for a Smoke-Free Wales.

The consultation will close on **31 March 2022**. They want to hear views and get feedback on their plans for tobacco control in Wales from everyone affected by tobacco in Wales, including the public, young people and stakeholders.

They are also planning engagement events during the consultation period. If you would like to be involved, please contact them at: **tobaccopolicy@gov.wales** for further details.

Government page to read more about the Consultation: [HERE](https://gov.wales/tobacco-control-strategy-wales-and-delivery-plan-html)

**How to respond**

Submit your comments by **31 March 2022**, in any of the following ways:
1. Complete our [**online form**](https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7KG7WK/)

2. Download, complete our [**response form**](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-11/consultation-questions_0.docx&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1647604864379064&usg=AOvVaw2cuT-gSLP4rqsf1VXA1zYY) 
 and email TobaccoPolicy@gov.wales

3. Download, complete our [**response form**](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2021-11/consultation-questions_0.docx&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1647604864379064&usg=AOvVaw2cuT-gSLP4rqsf1VXA1zYY) and post to:

Risk Behaviours Team
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ


![Welsh Post.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/61e582c51141968c72ddf39b3776eb82.png)



The Welsh Government is seeking comments on the draft long term tobacco control strategy for Wales: A Smoke-free Wales and our first two year delivery plan: Towards a Smoke-Free Wales: Tobacco Control Delivery Plan 2022-2024.

[**October is Mental Health Awareness Month**](https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day). We take this time of year to acknowledge the widespread concerns among the general public, including mental health which is a crucial piece of the puzzle that makes up an individual's overall health and wellness.

Of the general population, only a minority are smokers. In a population of those with a history of depression and a propensity for recurrent depression, a majority are smokers. 

[**Smoking rates among people with mental health disorders are disproportionately higher than average country smoking rates across the globe**](https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/tobacco-nicotine-e-cigarettes/do-people-mental-illness-substance-use-disorders-use-tobacco-more-often). The association between cigarette smoking and mental health conditions becomes stronger relative to the severity of the mental health condition, with the highest levels of smoking found in psychiatric inpatients. 

[**Nicotine has mood-altering effects**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/updates#Nicotine_the_weirdness_of_harm) that put people with mental disorders at higher risk of smoking and nicotine addiction. Many of them associate smoking cigarettes with stress relief and relaxation.

Important to note, individuals with mental health conditions die on average 10–20 years earlier than the general population, and smoking is the single largest factor accounting for this difference.

One in every two people who smoke (including those with mental health issues) will die of a smoking-related illness. But many think quitting will worsen their mental health problems or impact their social lives and friendships.

In most cases, people with mental illness lack access to cessation aids to help them quit. This makes it even more challenging for them to quit smoking.

Stopping smoking suddenly through willpower alone or cold turkey is the least effective way to quit. It’s a well-known fact that quitting smoking improves one’s physical health. A recent [**Cochrane systematic review shows that stopping smoking is linked to improved mental health. The review summarizes evidence from 102 observational studies involving over 165,900 people.**](https://www.cochrane.org/news/featured-review-stopping-smoking-linked-improved-mental-health)

Action to reduce smoking among people with mental health challenges should be a high priority, whether through nicotine replacement therapy or safer nicotine products. No other action would do more to reduce the life expectancy gap among this group. 

Pragmatic approaches are absolutely essential to improve outcomes. The lack of cessation services in many low and middle-income countries makes the scale of the task to reduce smoking among people with mental health challenges inherently complex.

With current tobacco control strategies showing meagre results and **NRTs unaffordable** to most smokers with mental health challenges, the introduction of accessible, market-driven harm reduction measures into the mix is a vital way forward. Reduced-risk products can significantly lower smoking rates among individuals with mental health challenges.

In line with the [**mental health awareness month**](https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day), smokers should quit smoking to protect their mental health. Looking to the future, an approach to reducing smoking among persons with mental health issues that includes a wide range of safer nicotine products would provide governments with the tools to significantly improve health outcomes at a minimal cost. 


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Mental Health Awareness Month: Smoking and Harm Reduction. New Article By Joseph Magero.

The FCTC is a treaty that was adopted by the World Health Organisation in 2003, and remains in force today. 

It seeks to protect present and future generations from the harms associated with tobacco consumption. However, its prohibitionist approach toward less harmful novel nicotine products - such as e-cigarettes, vapes, and pouches – is outdated, ideologically driven, and squandering the opportunity to save lives. 

One hundred experts have come together to call on the WHO leadership to launch a comprehensive rethink in their stance to tobacco harm reduction, before the COP9 summit in November. The letter makes seven key points, and then delivers six recommendations – all based on contemporary scientific evidence and expertise.

Click **[HERE](https://media.thr.net/strapi/89229bee7fc5b89d6d6ec9fad08412b1.pdf)** to read the letter.



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100 experts sign a public letter on the failure of the WHO’s current Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), urging a comprehensive rethink before COP9

A **letter** from an **international group of health leaders**, from the **EU**, **North and South America**, **Africa** and **Asia** has been submitted to the **Bangladesh Minister of Health**, calling for the Ministry to consider **not prohibiting** the use of smoke free nicotine-based alternatives to combustible cigarettes and to use evidence-based regulatory policy to do more to protect the health of Bangladesh's **164,7  million** people. In particular, the **34,7%** of adults in Bangladesh who still consume combustible cigarettes. The experts have called on the **Bangladesh government** to support smokers by encouraging a mass switch from high-risk cigarettes to low-risk ENDS and accelerating the end of the epidemic of smoking-related disease. 

Click [here](https://media.thr.net/strapi/5839390b594654146dcd9da3c8accd4c.pdf) to read the letter. 

![MoH Bangladesh.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/ae1b796d04be9e11ce01ac6b5315951c.png)



Bangladesh Public Consultation on ENDS: Letter Submitted By Experts to Bangladesh MoH Offering Comments On The Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (Amended in 2013).

**Call for evidence deadline: 17th June**

Read the “[Evaluation of the legislative framework for tobacco control” brief here](https://media.thr.net/strapi/ad80f17b53b0c3bae77ed0dba4c24ab5.pdf) and click [**HERE to submit your views**](https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13481-Evaluation-of-the-legislative-framework-for-tobacco-control_en).  


The [**EU commission**](https://european-union.europa.eu/select-language?destination=/node/1) would like to hear your views on the modern ways to manage and curb smoking addiction. Future tobacco regulation must be based on sound data and evidence to ensure risk – proportionate regulation is adopted for new product categories. 

The Commission will **evaluate the tobacco control legislative framework**, namely the promotion, sponsorship, product regulation and advertising, in the broader context of other related tobacco control policies. This comes in response to the rapid rise of recent technological advancements in emerging products. 

This evaluation will assess to what extent the framework has fulfilled its goals and whether it is able to support a ‘Tobacco-Free Generation’ by 2040, as announced in the [**Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan**](https://ec.europa.eu/health/system/files/2022-02/eu_cancer-plan_en_0.pdf).

![Call for evidence graphic.jpeg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/069cd223853e20dccebf9868cc78abbb.jpeg)





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EU Call for Evidence – The Tobacco Control Framework: Make your Voice Heard

[**AHRA** ](https://ahra.info/)(Africa Harm Reduction Alliance) hosted a [**Twitter Chat**](https://twitter.com/AfricaHRA/status/1511661651812134915) with the prominent [**THR**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/) advocate [**Aishat Alaran** (@alaranaishat)](https://twitter.com/alaranaishat) to learn more about one of the women behind the [**Campaign for Safer Alternatives**](https://safer-alternatives.org/) (**C.A.S.A**) organisation. [**Aishat**](https://twitter.com/alaranaishat) spoke openly and candidly about why it is important to have equal representation of females and males in [**THR**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr), saying that ‘smoking is not limited to one gender, so the fight to reduce smoking should not be restricted to a single gender’. 

She also told [**AHRA**](https://ahra.info/e-book-ensuring-female-leadership-and-diversity-in-thr/) about her mother, who has constantly been a source of inspiration for her, “She sets positive examples for me that constantly reminds me to strive to become the best version of myself.” 

When asked how she pushes for systemic change around ideas that are new or not popular, she speaks candidly about what she feels needs to be done to “change the status quo”. She also cites  another prominent [**THR**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/) advocate named [**Professor Marewa Glover**](https://twitter.com/Tobaccoharmred1/status/1466068505132998666) as being another source of inspiration, especially when working under her leadership during a Tobacco harm Reduction Scholarship. Impressively, **[Professor Glover](https://twitter.com/Tobaccoharmred1/status/1466068505132998666)** has [**100 publications**](https://twitter.com/Tobaccoharmred1/status/1466068505132998666) to her name.

Aishat recently spoke at the [**Africa Tobacco Harm Reduction Forum**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJBIix8q4IM&t=4548s) in Nairobi in February, where a [**social media post quoting her**](https://twitter.com/AfricaHRA/status/1493186953709330436) received the highest reach on all of our [**THR.net**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/) and [**AHRA**](https://ahra.info/) platforms! 

Click **[HERE](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d6df0b5d5aae3275836ce74646bc35dd.pdf)** to access the **new E – Book**. 

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NEW E – BOOK: FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN THR. INTERVIEW WITH AISHAT ALARAN, PHARMACIST AND RESEARCHER

On 14 July 2022, a Malaysia [**press release**](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/14/cabinet-gives-nod-to-proposed-smoking-ban-bill-says-kj) reported that the draft of the proposed [**Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill**](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/14/cabinet-gives-nod-to-proposed-smoking-ban-bill-says-kj) had been approved by the Cabinet. [**Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin**](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/14/cabinet-gives-nod-to-proposed-smoking-ban-bill-says-kj) said: “The Bill was approved by Cabinet yesterday. So I will be sending it to Parliament for this session". The proposed [**Bill**](https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/14/cabinet-gives-nod-to-proposed-smoking-ban-bill-says-kj) contains provisions to prohibit the sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and vape products to those born after 2005. 

[**13 public health experts**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9d545794b8609366290a55953fa5345c.pdf) were prompted to [**respond**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9d545794b8609366290a55953fa5345c.pdf) to this proposed legislation, and they started by applauding the government’s efforts to strengthen the prevention and control of combustible tobacco-related disease and premature death. However, they [**warned of the unintended consequences**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9d545794b8609366290a55953fa5345c.pdf) of regulating non-combustible, reduced-risk products in the same way as combustible cigarettes. They emphasised two important points about ENDS: 
1. They do not involve combustion and so do not create products of combustion, and
2. To an increasing extent, they can replace smoking for many smokers. 

In this [**letter sent to the Malaysian PM**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9d545794b8609366290a55953fa5345c.pdf) and Cabinet, the experts urged them to support smokers by encouraging a mass switch from high-risk cigarettes to low-risk ENDS by using risk-proportionate regulation, thus accelerating the end of the epidemic of smoking-related disease. Read the [**full letter here**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9d545794b8609366290a55953fa5345c.pdf).

[![Malysia Letter to PM ENDS July 2022.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/817108fed617cb95c560befe8c5f8ede.png)](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9d545794b8609366290a55953fa5345c.pdf)
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Letter to Malaysian PM: A Call for Risk-Proportionate Regulation of ENDS

Review written by **[Joseph Magero, of Campaign for Safer Alternatives / CASA](https://safer-alternatives.org/about-us/what-we-do)**

[**New research**](https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/vaping-substantially-less-harmful-than-smoking-largest-review-of-its-kind-finds) from the [**Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London**](https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn) has found that the use of electronic cigarettes rather than traditional cigarettes leads to a substantial reduction in exposure to toxicants that cause cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease.

The [**systematic review**](https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/vaping-substantially-less-harmful-than-smoking-largest-review-of-its-kind-finds), commissioned by the **[Office for Health Improvement and Disparities](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-health-improvement-and-disparities)** in the **[Department of Health and Social Care](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-for-health-improvement-and-disparities)**, represents the most comprehensive review of the risks of vaping to date. The findings were; while vaping is not risk-free (particularly for people who have never smoked), it poses a small fraction of the health risks of smoking in the short to medium term.

It is the eighth successive time that a review commissioned by the main **public health body in England**, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, has found that electronic cigarette use is far less risky than cigarette smoking. 

In the report, researchers expressed concern that “around two-thirds of adult smokers, who would benefit from switching to electronic cigarettes, have no idea that vaping is less harmful”.

Perceptions about the relative harms of tobacco smoking and vaping among smokers are out of line with current evidence. An exploration of the available studies found that levels of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, volatile organic compounds, and other toxicants implicated in the main diseases caused by smoking were significantly lower in e-cigarette users. Among e-cigarette users, overall levels of nicotine were lower or similar to cigarette smokers.

The levels of exposure to cancer-causing and other toxicants are drastically lower in people who use electronic cigarettes compared with those who smoke traditional cigarettes. Helping people switch from smoking to vaping should be considered a priority if Governments are to achieve a smoke-free world in our lifetime.
The evidence has strengthened and shows that e-cigarettes have the potential to reduce the harm caused by smoking. We must educate people about the reduced risk of alternative products such as electronic cigarettes.

![Kings College.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/5f6ec56b9dce9d1a81caae2c657e7698.png)


Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, Largest Review Finds!

In Germany’s population of 84 million, 1 in 4 people still smoke cigarettes. According to their ministry of health, smoking is the biggest preventable cause of death and disease in Germany. Meanwhile, there is mounting evidence that nicotine vaping products are significantly less harmful than combusted tobacco, and provide a viable escape route for smokers who want to quit, but can’t. 

What would happen if Germany’s smokers switched to less harmful nicotine vaping products? At the No Smoke Summit in September 2021, Prof David Levy from Georgetown University explained with reference to his newly developed SAVM simulation model - **4.7 million life years saved, and 300,000 deaths avoided by 2060**. 

Click [**HERE**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MaaYZZdrCc) to watch his presentation


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Public health implications of vaping in Germany: Prof Levy’s SAVM model predicts 4.7 million life years saved, and 300,000 deaths avoided by 2060

LIVES SAVED | What if German smokers switched to vaping? 🇩🇪

In a change that will favour vaping consumers today, Italy has **adjusted its tax on e-liquids** for the fourth time in four years. 

The tax rate on e-liquids containing nicotine will decrease from €0.175 (U.S. equivalent: $0.19) per millilitre to €0.13, and the zero-nicotine e-liquid tax will fall from €0.13/mL to €0.08. The new, lower tax rates are in line with the levels set in 2021 (these levels had seen an increase in January 2022). 

Italy has experienced a turbulent history when it comes to vaping products. In 2014, the Government made vapes as expensive as cigarettes, which meant that 75% of the ‘thriving’ vape industry had been wiped out. The tax was the highest in the EU, which almost doubled the price of e-liquid. This meant that vapers were now seeking the black market and some returned to smoking. 

However, in 2019 the vaping community applied pressure to the Parliamentary legislators and they finally reduced the tax rate by 80%, to a far more reasonable €0.08 per mL for e-liquids containing nicotine, and €0.04 for nicotine-free e-juices. However, last year the legislators increased the tax yet again, only to (finally) reduce them today. 

**References**

1. Vaping 360: [https://vaping360.com/vape-news/113815/italy-will-reduce-e-liquid-tax-april-1st/](https://vaping360.com/vape-news/113815/italy-will-reduce-e-liquid-tax-april-1st/)

![2 hands for Italy post.jpg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/87c2bcc76eacff986d85a3a64b8fedc0.jpg)


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Today (April 1st 2022) - Italy reduces tax on e-liquids 

“People who regularly use vapes have much higher smoking cessation rates” explained **Prof David Levy** at the recent No Smoke Summit. 

This is the key to the lifesaving potential of promoting nicotine vaping products to smokers who are struggling to quit cigarettes. Prof Levy’s newly published SAVM simulation model calculates deaths avoided and life years gained by 2060, if adult smokers switched to significantly less harmful vapes. The result? 1.8 million lives saved, and 38.9 million life years gained. 

Click [**HERE**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpPrDo3bMsU) to watch the Lives Saved video





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Public health implications of vaping in USA: Prof Levy’s SAVM model predicts 38.9 million life years saved, and 1.8 million deaths avoided by 2060

LIVES SAVED | What if smokers in USA switched to vaping? 🇺🇸

**Why the consultation is important to THR:**


Health Canada has identified the availability of a variety of desirable flavours in vaping products, despite the current vaping restrictions, as one of the factors contributing to the rapid rise in youth vaping in Canada. However, banning almost all flavours, will make it less likely for adult smokers to switch to less harmful vaping products, or use them to quit tobacco altogether. Ultimately, the unintended consequence of such a ban can be very detrimental to both tobacco control and harm reduction. 

**How you can help**
 

Health Canada is seeking comments from health partners, general public, interested members of the industry, and people who vape, use tobacco products, or use both vaping and tobacco products. Please send in your comments before the deadline. 


**How to participate**


[mail](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-proposed-vaping-product-flavour-regulations-order.html#a4)
[email](mailto:hc.pregs.sc@canada.ca)



**Comments submitted**

Health Canada is seeking comments on their proposed ban on flavours in vaping products (e-cigarettes).  Deadline: 2 September 2021(at noon EDT)

**Author: [Joseph Magero](https://twitter.com/Josephmagero)** of [**Campaign for Safer Alternatives**](https://safer-alternatives.org/about-us/what-we-do)

The call was made by public health experts gathered at the ninth edition of the **[Global Forum on Nicotine](https://www.youtube.com/c/GFNconference)**, held in **Warsaw** this month. 

The **[Global Forum on Nicotine](https://www.youtube.com/c/GFNconference)** (GFN) is an annual event that has been held since 2014 in the form of an international conference focusing on the future of nicotine products, their legal regulations and the impact of these products on public health. Hosting hundreds of public health experts, nicotine consumers and activists from across the world, the event’s theme was ‘**tobacco harm reduction is here for good**’.

The forum’s theme explained that tobacco harm reduction through safer nicotine products can hasten the end of smoking, and calls for government stakeholders to explore the science behind this approach. Policy and regulatory changes are needed in order to maximize its potential and the barriers to its implementation around the world.

Countries applying progressive tobacco harm reduction policies are witnessing a significant fall in smoking rates. Whereas those following the World Health Organization’s (**MPOWER**) guidance continue to experience excessive smoking-related illnesses and deaths.

A **[new study](https://gfn.events/new-research)** (conducted by **[Dr. Lars M. Ramström](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-ramstr%C3%B6m-75827b1b/?originalSubdomain=se)**) launched at the forum shows implementation of the World Health Organization’s tobacco control measures known as **MPOWER** has no clear association with low-levels of tobacco-related mortality.

Instead, the independent research by the renowned tobacco dependence researcher, shows that switching from smoking to Swedish-style snus, a safer nicotine product, is a more effective strategy to reduce the harms caused by tobacco.

Presented to hundreds of delegates, as well as over 50 international experts on tobacco and nicotine science, the new findings by **[Dr. Lars Ramström](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-ramstr%C3%B6m-75827b1b/?originalSubdomain=se)** provide further evidence that the World Health Organization must embrace tobacco harm reduction as part of its global tobacco control strategy by supporting the use of safer nicotine alternatives to quit smoking.

![GFN 2022.jpg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/ad93b527985d0402e6f64a35d92541d0.jpg)



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Global Experts Call For Increased Access To Safer Nicotine Products

"Balancing Consideration of the Risks and Benefits of E-Cigarettes" - this must-read article demonstrates a considerable win for tobacco harm reduction. It not only accurately summarises why THR is being unfairly stymied, but also proposes sensible recommendations for vaping regulation.  

Balancing Consideration of the Risks and Benefits of E-Cigarettes

**Dr Mendelsohn’s** book provides a comprehensive and practical **how-to guide for smokers** considering vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, but it also delves into a deeper analysis into societal beliefs around vaping. In **Part 3 (‘Controversies and Solutions’)**, **Dr Mendelsohn** dissects how we have reached a point in the debate where an appreciation of the scientific evidence supporting vaping is not enough to overcome the vehement backlash: “Much of the opposition is not about the evidence. It is driven more by hidden ideological, moral, political, and other agendas. [Part 3] explores how anti-vaping groups defend the indefensible and justify their position without the support of science”. 

[**Click here**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/articles/BOOK-REVIEW:-DR-COLIN-MENDELSO) to read the full review.

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Book Review: Dr Colin Mendelsohn's 'The Healthy Truth About Vaping'

The UK's Health Secretary, **Sajid Javid MP**, believes it is a “moral outrage” that England’s richest people are living for up to a decade longer on average than the poorest.

To help tackle this disparity, he is plotting a **#vaping revolution**, writes **Caroline Wheeler** in yesterday's edition of **The Sunday Times.**

"England will become the first country in the world to prescribe e-cigarettes on the NHS to help smokers quit as part of plans to increase life expectancy for the poorest.

Sajid Javid, the health secretary, believes it is a “moral outrage” that England’s richest people are living for up to a decade longer on average than the poorest.

He will announce plans to address the root causes when he unveils his health disparities white paper this spring. It is understood this will include a “vaping revolution” that will allow GPs to prescribe e-cigarettes on the NHS."

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SAJID JAVID PLOTS VAPING REVOLUTION TO HELP POOR LIVE LONGER

In late **2021**, Kantar undertook a study regarding usage and attitudes towards vaping, tobacco products and cigarettes in Malaysia. In addition, Kantar worked on the survey design, analysis and reporting of results. The study was completed with those people who used e-cigarettes and/or other tobacco products. Questions covered a range of topics including current usage and perceptions of products including attitudes towards quitting smoking and methods used to help giving up.

**Survey Approach and Findings**

An online approach was used with respondents contacted via Kantar’s consumer panel and screening questions used to ensure participants met agreed definitions for target groups in each country. A **total of 500** people were interviewed in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, where recruitment was based on e-cigarettes and oral tobacco usage, four out of ten vapers are also using a heated tobacco product and one in five vapers were also using an oral tobacco product. For those who chose to vape because they like the taste, fruit (**61%**) and mint (**44%**) were the most enjoyed flavours.

In general, people agreed that e-cigarettes should be made available to smokers on the basis of being a less harmful product. Respondents agreed with the promotion of e-cigs as a less harmful alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes.

**Support for Regulations**

Government regulation of e - cigarettes is strongly supported by the respondents. There is also strong support for regulation of quality and sales to minors.

There is strong support for a tax on e-liquid used in vapes, however, the tax (as announced during the Budget 2022) was perceived as too high.


NEW MALAYSIA STUDY REVEALS THAT NEARLY HALF OF SMOKERS CHOOSE TO VAPE TO CUT DOWN ON SMOKING CIGARETTES OR TO QUIT SMOKING COMPLETELY (49%).

This month, we mark three important events: [**International Harm Reduction Day**](https://www.hri.global/) on 7 May, [**World Vape Day**](https://worldvapersalliance.com/en_gb/world-vape-day/) on 30 May and [**World No Tobacco Day**](https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2022) on 31 May. In spite of the dualistic impression one derives from the war-like language that often mars discussion between ‘tobacco control’ and ‘tobacco harm reduction’ (THR) communities, they actually share a common goal: [**to minimise tobacco-related disease and premature death**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/). 


The harm reduction approach is already enshrined in [**Article 1d**](https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/2003/05/20030506%2002-12%20PM/Ch_IX_04p.pdf) of the World Health Organisation’s ([**WHO**](https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/2003/05/20030506%2002-12%20PM/Ch_IX_04p.pdf)) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ([**FCTC**](https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/2003/05/20030506%2002-12%20PM/Ch_IX_04p.pdf)). And yet their policies and public discourse do not reflect this. In a recent update of the [**WHO website’s Q&A section about e-cigarettes**](https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/tobacco-e-cigarettes), they continued to assert the following:
• *E-cigarettes are ‘dangerous’, ‘harmful’, and ‘toxic’* – with no reference to the [**relative risk**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf) compared to combustible cigarettes
• *E-cigarettes provide a gateway for youth to cigarettes* – this claim is not backed by any robust evidence, and has in fact been [**refuted by numerous public health experts**](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2022/mar/e-cigarettes-not-substantial-gateway-smoking-young-people#:~:text=E%2Dcigarettes%20not%20a%20substantial%20gateway%20to%20smoking%20for%20young%20people,-11%20March%202022&text=E%2Dcigarette%20use%20in%20England,study%20led%20by%20UCL%20researchers.)
• *Vaping can cause lung injury, misnamed ‘EVALI’*– a misrepresentation that is [**'killing people'**](https://medium.com/the-great-vape-debate/the-cdcs-evali-screwup-ff09f4c3e187)
• *“To date, evidence on the use of ENDS as a cessation aid is inconclusive”* – please refer to the Cochrane Collaboration’s [**living systematic review**](https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216/TOBACCO_can-electronic-cigarettes-help-people-stop-smoking-and-do-they-have-any-unwanted-effects-when-used) indicating that [**e-cigarettes do help smokers quit**](https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216/TOBACCO_can-electronic-cigarettes-help-people-stop-smoking-and-do-they-have-any-unwanted-effects-when-used) cigarettes, and probably [**more effectively**](https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216/TOBACCO_can-electronic-cigarettes-help-people-stop-smoking-and-do-they-have-any-unwanted-effects-when-used) than nicotine replacement therapy.


This [**misrepresentation of facts**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf) is squandering the opportunity to help millions of smokers switch to much less harmful products, such as [**nicotine vapes**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products) and [**pouches**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products). Herein lies the difference in approach amongst [**THR advocates**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/advocacy); backed by evidence and pragmatism, THR supports the provision, rather than prohibition, of [**safer alternatives**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products) to those who are struggling to quit cigarettes. Here are **six ways in which harm reduction differs to prohibition**:


### **1. Dogmatic vs Open-minded**
In the FCTC’s biennial [**Conference of the Parties**](https://fctc.who.int/who-fctc/governance/conference-of-the-parties#:~:text=Conference%20of%20the%20Parties&text=Regular%20sessions%20of%20the%20Conference,of%20its%20next%20regular%20session.) (COP) meetings, ministers from around the globe convene to share their progress on implementation of tobacco control measures. These fora provide an opportunity for international cooperation. The problem is that they [**exclude**](https://clivebates.com/one-hundred-specialists-call-for-who-to-change-stance-on-tobacco-harm-reduction/) any perspective sympathetic towards harm reduction, despite [**reasoned imploration from hundreds of independent experts**](https://clivebates.com/one-hundred-specialists-call-for-who-to-change-stance-on-tobacco-harm-reduction/). Within these ideologically confined meetings, awards are given to those who **toe the dogmatic line** of condemning vaping. Astonishingly, in [**2019**](https://clivebates.com/prohibitionists-at-work-how-the-who-damages-public-health-through-hostility-to-tobacco-harm-reduction/) India’s health minister was lauded with special recognition for his country’s [**ban of e-cigarettes**](https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-whos-bizarre-war-on-e-cigarettes), despite [**robust evidence that they are at least 95% safer than cigarettes**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf). Rather than viewing all nicotine use with [**irreconcilable hostility**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2020/11/01/the-irreconcilable-conflict-principle/), harm reduction advocates acknowledge that nicotine is not the enemy. They are open-minded about the [**continuum of risk**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf) of products, with the ultimate aim of helping people move away from the most harmful ones.


### **2. Punitive vs Compassionate**
After a [**recent ban of e-cigarettes in Hong Kong**](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3176654/hong-kong-police-make-first-arrests-under-law-banning) (despite [**evidence**](https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2022/05/20220526/20220526_125509_474.html#:~:text=Hong%20Kong's%20smoking%20prevalence%20fell,a%20press%20conference%20this%20morning.) that they are helping reduce smoking rates), two people were recently [**arrested**](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3176654/hong-kong-police-make-first-arrests-under-law-banning) for selling nicotine vaping products. Whilst the sale of cigarettes remains legal and widespread, the cost of selling e-cigarettes is up to [**6-months imprisonment**](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3176654/hong-kong-police-make-first-arrests-under-law-banning). In contrast, on the [**Isle of Man**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-42909703), a 2008 ban on tobacco in prison led to inmates smoking illicit materials, including banana peels, tea bags, and nicotine patches. In response, a [**pilot scheme introduced the provision of regulated e-cigarettes for inmates**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-42909703) to use in their cells and outdoor spaces. Since the trial began, there have been 58% fewer behaviour warnings, a [**25% increase in intention to quit smoking**](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-42909703), and an annual saving of £8500 on nicotine patches. 


### **3. Idealistic vs Pragmatic**
Riding in a car is an activity with inherent risks. Reasonable steps can be taken to minimise driving-related harm, such as seat belts and speed limits. Similarly, [**harm reduction proponents**](https://www.hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction) accept that e-cigarettes, like driving, are not completely risk-free. However, there is [**increasing evidence**](https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub5/full), beyond reasonable doubt, that they are **significantly safer** than cigarettes. Bearing this in mind, and the fact that merely [**4-7% of smokers succeed in quitting**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf) using traditional measures, the pragmatic approach is to offer safer alternatives. A [**randomised trial**](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1808779. 
) published in 2019 showed that using [**e-cigarettes nearly doubled the chance of quitting smoking**](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1808779. 
) compared to nicotine replacement therapy. 


### **4. Ideological vs Evidence-based**
As described earlier, the WHO’s current stance is that “evidence on the use of ENDS as a cessation aid is inconclusive”. This statement is ideologically driven, rather than evidence-based. In contrast, a [**growing list**](https://clivebates.com/expert-statements-on-who-and-tobacco-harm-reduction/) of reputable and independent public health organisations and experts are acknowledging the [**tremendous potential of vaping to displace smoking**](https://clivebates.com/expert-statements-on-who-and-tobacco-harm-reduction/) and improve individual and population health. Two former directors of non-communicable disease control at the WHO, [**Prof Ruth Bonita**](https://clivebates.com/expert-statements-on-who-and-tobacco-harm-reduction/) and [**Prof Robert Beaglehole**](https://clivebates.com/expert-statements-on-who-and-tobacco-harm-reduction/), have [said](https://clivebates.com/expert-statements-on-who-and-tobacco-harm-reduction/): “WHO’s continuing disregard of the wealth of evidence on the value of these products is condemning millions of smokers to preventable disease and premature death.”


### **5. Stigmatising vs Accepting**
At the recent [**E-Cig Summit**](https://www.e-cigarette-summit.us.com/seminar/the-vape-shop-experience/) in Washington D.C., [**Marc Slis**](https://www.e-cigarette-summit.us.com/seminar/the-vape-shop-experience/) delivered a memorable address as an ex-smoker, vaper, and vape shop owner. Commenting on the anti-vaping lobby’s scaremongering campaigns, [he said](https://www.e-cigarette-summit.us.com/seminar/the-vape-shop-experience/): “Smokers are treated as acceptable collateral damage in a war against Big Tobacco. You trained the public to despise us. You trained us to despise ourselves”. It does not need to be this way; harm reduction practitioners are committed to [**meeting people ‘where they are’**](https://www.hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction) in their lives without judgement. Harm reduction focuses on motivating [**positive change**](https://www.hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction) through facilitation rather than coercion. 


### **6. Authoritarian vs Autonomous**
A prime example of prohibitionists’ authoritarian approach is how the [**International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organisations**](https://innco.org/) (INNCO) has been [**repeatedly denied observer status**](https://ahra.info/four-basic-consumer-rights-not-respected-by-the-anti-thr-lobby/) to the FCTC’s COP meetings. Rather than engaging with the very people impacted by their decisions on a daily basis, WHO continues to [**exclude them**](https://innco.org/) from the conversation. Conversely, harm reduction strategies emphasise the importance of empowering people to have [**control over their own health**](https://www.hri.global/what-is-harm-reduction) in order to live healthier lives. It respects people’s [**consumer rights**](https://ahra.info/four-basic-consumer-rights-not-respected-by-the-anti-thr-lobby/), including the [**right to choose**](https://ahra.info/four-basic-consumer-rights-not-respected-by-the-anti-thr-lobby/). 


![Prohibition vs Harm Reduction.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/f70cead3f7c73c46d421f37845c1081a.png)



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SIX DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARM REDUCTION AND PROHIBITION

**A new video campaign by the Queensland Government uses public money to highlight incorrect information about vaping. Dr Colin Mendelsohn’s series, Dr Col’s Vape Truths, is set to put a stop to this spread of incorrect information.**

A series of **eight** misinformed videos(1) have been released on the **Queensland Government** website. The series shows well-known science commentator **Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki** stating **incorrect information** about vaping. The videos focus on vaping ingredients (citing them as “toxic”), allege that vape clouds cause cancer, and state that vaping can seriously impact on your breathing. There is, however, no reputable scientific research to demonstrate or prove Dr Kruszelnicki’s assertions. 

**[Dr. Colin Mendelsohn](https://colinmendelsohn.com.au/)**, who has been working in tobacco treatment for 40 years, has responded to this misinformation campaign by creating [eight videos of his own](https://colinmendelsohn.com.au/dr-cols-vape-truths/) to provide correct information(2). **Dr. Mendelsohn** points out that vapour is far less toxic than smoke, the risk of cancer from vaping is much lower than from smoking, and that vaping nicotine does not cause serious damage to the lungs. 

In an article published on **[Planet of the Vapes](https://www.planetofthevapes.co.uk/)**, **Nancy Loucas**, Executive Coordinator of the **Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates (CAPHRA)** [recently said](https://www.planetofthevapes.co.uk/news/vaping-news/2022-08-15_aussie-propaganda-exposed.html),  

“Australia’s overall smoking rate has barely budged in recent years, while New Zealand’s has halved in the past decade. New Zealand is promoting vaping as an effective smoking cessation tool while Australia’s ‘quit or die’ approach to tobacco control is failing its 2.3 million smokers badly.”

**CAPHRA** [further stated](https://www.planetofthevapes.co.uk/news/vaping-news/2022-08-15_aussie-propaganda-exposed.html) that “Australia is falling further behind the Asia Pacific region, with the Philippines the latest country to regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, and use of vaping.”(3)  

Australia is, in fact, the only Western democracy that requires users to have a nicotine prescription to vape (3),  while every year around **20,500 Australians** lose their lives to smoking, accounting for **[13% of deaths](https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/pandemic-insights-australian-smokers-2020-21#:~:text=Tobacco%20smoking%20is%20one%20of,Australia%20in%202018%5B1%5D)** in Australia (4).

Hopefully, [**Dr Col’s Vape Truths**](https://colinmendelsohn.com.au/dr-cols-vape-truths/) will be successful in combating the misperceptions of the public and health workers about nicotine and vaping. As a harm reduction tool, these videos are [**underpinned by research**](https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7517-10-19) that shows the health benefits gained when smokers switch to vaping (5). 

For more information, please visit **[tobaccoharmreduction.net](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr)** for more **[resources](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/resources)** and studies on [**vaping research**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products). 

**References**

(1) Queensland Government. Vape truths: Dr Karl's vape truths [Internet]. c2022 [updated 2022 Jun; cited 2022 Aug 22 ]. Available from [https://www.vapetruths.initiatives.qld.gov.au/dr-karls-vape-truths](https://www.vapetruths.initiatives.qld.gov.au/dr-karls-vape-truths).

(2) Dr Colin Mendelsohn. Dr Col’s vape truths. [Internet]. c2022 [updated 2022; cited 2022 Aug 22] [https://colinmendelsohn.com.au/dr-cols-vape-truths/](https://colinmendelsohn.com.au/dr-cols-vape-truths/) 

(3) Planet of the Vapes. Aussie propaganda exposed. [Internet]. c2022 [updated 2022 Aug 15; cited 2022 Aug 22]  [https://www.planetofthevapes.co.uk/news/vaping-news/2022-08-15_aussie-propaganda-exposed.html](https://www.planetofthevapes.co.uk/news/vaping-news/2022-08-15_aussie-propaganda-exposed.html)

(4) Australian Bureau of Statistics. Pandemic insights into Australian smokers, 2020-21. [Internet]. c.2021 [updated 2021 Oct 12; cited 2022 Aug 22]  [https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/pandemic-insights-australian-smokers-2020-21#:~:text=Tobacco%20smoking%20is%20one%20of,Australia%20in%202018%5B1%5D](https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/pandemic-insights-australian-smokers-2020-21#:~:text=Tobacco%20smoking%20is%20one%20of,Australia%20in%202018%5B1%5D)

(5) Polosa R, Rodu B, Caponnetto P, Maglia M. 
  [A fresh look at tobacco harm reduction: The case for the electronic cigarette. Harm Reduction Journal](https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7517-10-19) [serial online]. [cited 2022 Aug 22]; 10(19). Available from: Springer Nature






 



Dr Col’s Vape Truths: Combating misinformation in Australia

1. Secret Ingredients | Dr Col's Vape Truths

“*The availability of nicotine with minimal harm justifies a complete rethink of our approach to this legal recreational drug*.”

The [latest article by Clive Bates](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/08/01/nicotine-and-the-weirdness-of-harm/) of **[Counterfactual Consulting](https://clivebates.com/)** in the **tobacco reporter** magazine provides some interesting insights into his views on the weirdness of why low risk nicotine products are being demonised and compared with class A drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Clive discusses the benefits of nicotine, from improved cognition and focus to reducing stress and anxiety, and asks the question: why are we not re-looking at nicotine and considering that its use is not all that harmful? What if the real problem was always the inhalation of toxic smoke while trying to consume nicotine for its benefits?

Clive discusses the several forms that this ‘weirdness of harms’ takes when it comes to this low – risk drug. 

Click [**here to read the full article**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/08/01/nicotine-and-the-weirdness-of-harm/).

![nicotine-small-1024x683.jpg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/2c0ffe1a3a0cdcdff4524454c458c3a2.jpg)
 


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Nicotine And The Weirdness Of Harm – New Article By Clive Bates

On the 22nd June, a [**webinar** ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnSgB5AxPfU&t=307s)hosted by thr.net took place. Moderated by [**Dr. Delon Human**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/dr-delon-human) and [**Jessica Perkins**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-perkins-963a4b32/) from ****tobaccoharmreduction.net****, the panel featured leading medical expert [**Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos**](https://twitter.com/FarsalinosK), [**Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteth**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharifa-ezat-wan-puteh-b2b05b196/), President of the Malaysian Society for Harm Reduction and [**Professor Neil McKeganey**](https://twitter.com/McKeganey1), director of the Centre for Substance Use Research at the University of Glasgow.


“Many Malaysian smokers are seeing ecigs, and other non-combustible nicotine alternatives as their fire escape. We need to promote evidence-based regulation that gives comfort to consumers to switch from the most harmful to the least harmful alternatives." - said [**Dr Delon Human**](https://twitter.com/HumanDelon). 


The 3 eminent academics discussed the need for regulation of tobacco harm reduction (THR) products in Malaysia, and misconceptions about alternative nicotine products and flavours.


**Key misconceptions and the role of health practitioners**


The **[Kantar survey](https://media.thr.net/strapi/57d0472d80a9339de39153e6793d973b.pdf)** showed that many adults in Malaysia are misinformed about the relative risk of THR products such as vaping. More than a third of Malaysians perceive them as more harmful or as harmful as cigarettes. “These figures underline the importance of health practitioners to encourage the efforts of smoking cessation”, argued [Professor Neil McKeganey](https://twitter.com/McKeganey1).


However, the survey shows that just **4%** of people who **vape** said that they were encouraged to do so by a health practitioner. This also stems from the fact that many of them do not understand the relative risks of vaping or the fact that nicotine itself does not cause cancer. 


All the speakers agreed that there is a huge role to be played by health practitioners in advising smokers to switch to less risky products, such as vaping. But in order to do that, misconceptions about reduced-risk products need to be dispelled. 


[**Professor Sharifa Ezat**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharifa-ezat-wan-puteh-b2b05b196/) spoke about THR encountering resistance from regulators and policymakers, since it’s a relatively new concept and the risk perception is skewed by exaggerated and fear-mongering media reports. 


The survey also found that **52% of Malaysian smokers** perceive vaping to be less harmful than smoking cigarettes. On this basis, **86%** said that vaping should be made available to smokers as a *less harmful* product and **90%** believe that **vaping should be actively promoted as a less harmful** alternative to smoking cigarettes.


The good news from the survey, however, is that those who have actually managed to switch to vaping, did so in order to cut down on smoking or quit completely (**49%**). 


**The use of flavours in vaping**


The [**Kantar survey**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/57d0472d80a9339de39153e6793d973b.pdf) showed that nearly a third of respondents (**61%**) who **vape** used **fruit flavours**, hence the use of flavours is a powerful way for people to cut down on or quit smoking entirely. [**Dr Farsalinos**](https://twitter.com/FarsalinosK) commented on the issues of flavours, and highlighted that if products do not taste good, smokers will unlikely want to use them to quit smoking. What can prevent e-cigarette users from relapsing back into cigarettes, is to provide a variety of flavours for them to choose between - keeping the e-cigarette experience more interesting. 


**We need to provide practical solutions through risk - based regulation**


In **[Malaysia](https://twitter.com/Tobaccoharmred1/status/1539529585695539202)** today, e-cigarette products are unregulated, which on the one hand means that users can easily access products that can help them to switch or quit smoking; but on the other hand it provides poor quality manufacturers the opportunity to use potentially dangerous ingredients - causing harm to consumers. 


The [**Kantar study**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/57d0472d80a9339de39153e6793d973b.pdf) saw that consumers are willing to embrace regulation of THR products, and the members of the panel agree that regulation is necessary to avoid having any substandard items on the market that could be dangerous to people’s health. However, as proven by other countries, bad regulation can cause people to switch back to smoking or never switch to vaping in the first place.


Success can only be achieved through proper information, knowledge and favourable legislation. [**Professor McKeganey**](https://twitter.com/McKeganey1) said that what will be important for any future legislation of THR products in Malaysia is that it increases the accessibility, availability and safety of these products compared to cigarettes. 


This webinar was the start of a much-needed debate in **Malaysia on tobacco harm reduction**. It highlighted how consumers feel about it and where it can go next. 


NEW WEBINAR - MALAYSIA: ON THE PATH TO LIFE - SAVING ALTERNATIVES. A CALL FOR REGULATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS

**THURSDAY 2 September 2021**– **CANADA’s** proposal to restrict flavours in e-cigarettes by amending its Tobacco and Vaping Products Act would lead to a significant net public health loss. That’s according to an international group of respected health professionals, public health specialists and academics with an interest in harm reduction. 

The group submitted comments to the Health Canada consultation, ending September 2nd, 2021. The group cautioned the Canadian Federal Government’s draft Order would “negatively impact millions of adult smokers that  have used flavoured vaping products to switch away from, or quit combustible tobacco.” While the group acknowledged that vaping products were a controversial topic,  it asked Health Canada to reconsider the instrument choices proposed in its draft amendments, stressing it would be difficult to achieve this goal “without the significant contribution by vaping as a harm reduction and cessation product”. 

The group appealed to Health Canada to “carefully weigh the evidence, before making any significant changes that may unintentionally prevent vaping products from helping to avert smoking-induced deaths and save Canadian lives”. Click [HERE](https://media.thr.net/strapi/8172a27335906341eb5ac1a337eab4be.pdf) to read the full list of comments in the PDF document. 



CANADA’S PROPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON FLAVOURS IN VAPING PRODUCTS COULD NEGATIVELY AFFECT MILLIONS OF ADULT SMOKERS, WARN INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS

**Survey Approach and Findings**


An **online approach** was used with respondents contacted via Kantar’s consumer panel and screening questions were used to ensure participants met agreed definitions for target groups in each country. **A total of 1001 people** were interviewed in **Taiwan**.


Survey recruitment was based solely on e-cigarettes usage, so all respondents were vapers. Among them more than a third used a heated tobacco product (**38%**) and/or used an oral tobacco product (**36%**). 


Questions covered a range of topics including **current usage** and **perceptions of products** including **attitudes towards quitting smoking and methods used to help giving up**.


Vaping alone was used as a way to cut down on smoking by as **much as 25%** of respondents and after trying to quit smoking on several occasions. However, the most common approach used in these previous attempts was without any medication or substitute. As many as **34%** use any replacement product to cut down the amount smoked and **18%** will use **ANY** replacement product to stop smoking entirely. 


All in all, while vaping is, on balance, more likely to receive approval from peers and family than smoking cigarettes or using heated or oral tobacco products, it is notable that many vapers still expect to receive disapproval for using e-cigarettes. 


*There is a need for risk - proportionate regulations for e-cigarettes, in particular focusing on quality and usage by minors, as well as a correction of misinformation related to any over-perceived harms of vaping and nicotine.*


To read the summary report, click [HERE](https://media.thr.net/strapi/c4c6ea8a52de2c2f88570f6345108858.pdf). 


NEW TAIWAN KANTAR STUDY REVEALS THAT AS MUCH AS 43% OF SMOKERS USE A REPLACEMENT TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION PRODUCT AS A MEANS TO CUT DOWN ON SMOKING OR STOP SMOKING ALTOGETHER.

Unfortunately, last week scaremongering headlines circulated worldwide, based on an abstract from an unpublished study. Subsequently it has been [**WITHDRAWN**](https://newsroom.heart.org/news/e-cigarette-users-face-15-higher-risk-of-stroke-at-a-younger-age-than-traditional-smokers) by the 
American Heart Association, who said: "This abstract will no longer be presented at Scientific Sessions 2021. Unfortunately, the researchers were not able to complete their presentation". The study claimed that e-cigarette users have a 15% higher risk of having a stroke at a younger age. However, after peer review and [**SCRUTINY**](https://www.acsh.org/news/2021/11/12/vaping-and-stroke-risk-new-study-hypes-wrong-conclusion-15933) of the data, this claim was shown to be methodologically flawed. Click [**HERE**](https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-unpublished-conference-presentation-claiming-e-cigarette-users-face-15-higher-risk-of-stroke-at-a-younger-age-than-traditional-smokers/) to read more on prominent experts' reaction to the flawed claim.

![Screenshot 2022-02-08 at 13.01.07.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/60cf78c9f9202442f16e9ac9163f5b00.png)



Unsubstantiated scaremongering headlines: Expert reaction to unpublished abstract claiming '15% higher risk of stroke at a younger age' for e-cig users

Misperceptions about the safety of vaping are rife; the misnomer of 'EVALI' is a major contributor. There is no evidence that anyone developed EVALI from nicotine #ecigs. Rather, it was illicit THC products containing Vit E Acetate.

The cost of this misinformation is that only 11.2% of respondents to the National Cancer Institute (NCI)'s [**2020 HINTS survey**](https://hints.cancer.gov/view-questions-topics/question-details.aspx?PK_Cycle=5&qid=1282#) said that e-cigarettes are safer than combustible cigarettes - a fact acknowledged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

75 public health experts, and Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller, [**wrote**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o0mlqZaMMUeD7Eapc1H0CdSsTz4HsuxE/view) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August 2021 petitioning for the lung injury to be renamed Adulterated THC Vaping Associated Lung Injury (ATHCVALI). This name communicates far more accurately to the public what health risks exist. However, the CDC has thus far declined to correct the misnomer of 'EVALI'.

One of the 75 public health experts, Michael Pesko (health economist at Georgia State University), [**said to reporter Marc Gunther**](https://medium.com/the-great-vape-debate/the-cdcs-evali-screwup-ff09f4c3e187): "The CDC made a gross error. The CDC's miscommunication is actually killing people, in my opinion."

Recommended reading:
-  [**Letter from Iowa's Attorney General Tom Miller and 75 public health experts to the CDC**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o0mlqZaMMUeD7Eapc1H0CdSsTz4HsuxE/view)
-  [**Marc Gunther's article 'The CDC’s EVALI screwup'**](https://medium.com/the-great-vape-debate/the-cdcs-evali-screwup-ff09f4c3e187)

![HINTS survey 2020 misinformation.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/58605f6c56e2a8322ded4a7fd2501154.png)


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The misnomer of 'EVALI' is "actually killing people"

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Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos’ multidimensional report on vaping flavours titled “**The case for flavours in tobacco harm reduction to save lives**” examines the science, consumer insights, risks and regulatory considerations relating to vaping flavours. 
 
The review concludes that **restrictions on vaping flavours would risk seriously reducing the life-saving potential of these innovative products.**
 
Click [HERE ](https://media.thr.net/strapi/0cbd3b34cef86dad0032528c324d2f7b.pdf) to read the full report, or [HERE](https://media.thr.net/strapi/e43d913841406aa46d3684a9ae4eeb48.pdf) to read the Executive Summary.









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In Favour of Flavour - A Key Report On How Flavours in Tobacco Harm Reduction Save Lives

This is an opportunity for vapers to be heard before the anti-vaping policy is locked in for the rest of the decade.

The draft strategy lacks urgency. It sets a very modest goal of <**10%** adult daily smoking by 2025. In sharp contrast, [**New Zealand**](https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/publications/hp7801_-_smoke_free_action_plan_v15_web.pdf) recently set a target of <**5%** daily adult smoking by 2025 for all population groups including Maori and Pacifica groups. Vaping is a key element of this plan.

Please make a submission before the deadline of **24 March 2022**. More information about making a submission can be found [**HERE**](https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/national-tobacco-strategy#:~:text=The%20draft%20National%20Tobacco%20Strategy%202022%E2%80%932030%20is%20being%20developed,closes%20on%2024%20March%202022.). 

***“The main element missing from the draft Strategy is tobacco harm reduction, ie the use of safer nicotine alternatives such as vaping, heated tobacco products, Swedish snus and nicotine pouches for smokers who are unable to quit with other methods”***

Vaping is supported by the [**Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists**](https://www.ranzcp.org/news-policy/policy-and-advocacy/position-statements/e-cigarettes-and-vaporisers) and [**Royal Australian College of General Practitioners**](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/supporting-smoking-cessation) for smokers who are unable to quit with conventional strategies. However, the draft strategy *ignores their advice*. In Australia it is easier to purchase a deadly cigarette than a far safer alternative.

Continuing the traditional 'quit or die' approach will result in a continuing sluggish decline in Australian smoking rates and another embarrassing failure to reach the smoking target. Smokers are being thrown under the bus. **We need to do better**.

![Aus Post.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/8b9027a880eeeb6fd98d3c7f6971b901.png)






The Australian Department of Health is seeking feedback on how to reduce smoking in the draft National Tobacco Strategy 2022-2030.

The World Health Organization’s recently released 8th report on the global tobacco epidemic relating to new and emerging products,  is deeply flawed and unscientific according to a tobacco sector expert. This thought-provoking assessment also explains why the report is raising concern about the influence that Bloomberg Philanthropies exerts on WHO policy.

Concern over unscientific stance in WHO's 8th report on global tobacco epidemic

With quitting smoking one of the toughest behaviours to change, the UK is leading the world with its Stoptober campaign, **Dr Derek Yach, President of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World** told **Great Britain News.**

The month-long campaign focuses on encouraging some of the roughly 7-million smokers in the UK to quit for good or switch to safer alternatives.

View Derek's interview [HERE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUXto5l9ehI)



Time to Ditch Or Switch This Stoptober

Check out our **latest video** to stay informed of the role that **vaping flavours play in saving lives!**



EVIDENCE: How do vaping flavours help save lives?

Enlightening interview with [**Dr Derek Yach**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/04/19/derek-yach-on-tobacco-reporters-special-innovation-issue/) by [**Taco Tuinstra**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/04/19/derek-yach-on-tobacco-reporters-special-innovation-issue/) from [**Tobacco Reporter**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/04/19/derek-yach-on-tobacco-reporters-special-innovation-issue/), in which Dr Yach explains how the innovation of THR represents the [**single most impactful public health opportunity**](https://media.thr.net/documents/THR_-_Lives_Saved.pdf). In his remarks, he described how independently verifying the science underpinning reduced-risk products transformed his thinking with regards to engaging with industry:

"The history of distrust is very deep, and very difficult to overcome. In my mind, the way I overcame it was by actually looking at the science, and looking at the evidence, and realising that the benefits for public health were so big that I needed to overcome my initial concerns.

It doesn’t require you trusting industry to move ahead, it requires you verifying what they are saying they are doing: verify the quality of the science, verify it in terms of long-term studies, look at the genomics, the metabolomics, the epidemiological and clinical studies. There’s no trust involved in that - just an independent ability to judge the science." - [**Dr Derek Yach**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/04/19/derek-yach-on-tobacco-reporters-special-innovation-issue/)

Full interview [**HERE**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/04/19/derek-yach-on-tobacco-reporters-special-innovation-issue/) 👇 


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Interview with Dr Derek Yach: How innovation in THR represents the single most impactful public health opportunity

An Interview with Derek Yach | Tobacco Reporter

Authored by [**Joseph Magero of CASA**](https://safer-alternatives.org/about-us/what-we-do).

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer—account for about **60%** of global deaths, mostly in low and middle-income countries. Smoking and tobacco use accounts for a sixth of these deaths.

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, heart disease and stroke, as well as a factor for some communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. Evidence obtained shows that important benefits of reducing smoking accrue quickly; a reduction in tobacco use rapidly decreases NCDs and healthcare costs.

Click **[HERE](https://tobaccoharmreduction.net/en/articles/In-Aid-of-World-Heart-Day-Th)** to read the full article. 

To access [**more resources**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/resources) on tobacco harm reduction, [**click here to read our e- book**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf), and [**HERE**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products) to read about reduced-risk products that can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing NCDs. 

![TSC-World-Heart-Day-Banner.jpg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d3ff5fec927a5c35159636a08b990350.jpg)



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World Heart Day: 29th September: The Unrelenting Health Burden of NCDs - A Pleading Call for Tobacco Harm Reduction

A group of world-renowned tobacco harm reduction experts spoke at the Africa Tobacco Harm Reduction Forum ([**ATHRF**](https://www.athrf.org/)) a week ago, to discuss a potentially transformational product for the Africa market: **#OralNicotine** (Is it a gateway to a smoke-free Africa?).

Watch the full event recording [**HERE**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJBIix8q4IM) on the AHRA YouTube channel!


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Oral Nicotine in Africa: A Call for Product Safety Standards, says Tobacco Harm Reduction Experts

Africa Tobacco Harm Reduction Forum: A Gateway to a Smoke-free Africa | 14 February 2022, Nairobi

Events

We had the privilege of sitting down with [**Amanda Wheeler**](https://twitter.com/amandawheeler32?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor), to discuss important issues in [**tobacco harm reduction**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr), such as: how do we correct misinformation in this space? What benefit has Juul had in converting people from smoking to vaping? What role do flavours play in harm reduction?

To see some mini clips from the webinar, [**click HERE**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHKweBxXVzcskK-HOo8PEg/featured).

Or **click below to watch the full webinar** on our YouTube Channel.


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Amanda Wheeler, THR Advocate And Owner of Jvapes, Talks To THR.net On Recent Webinar

Women in THR: Coffee Chat | Amanda Wheeler Webinar Full

By [**Joseph Magero**](https://twitter.com/Josephmagero/with_replies), [**Campaign for Safer Alternatives**](https://safer-alternatives.org/). 

As the world marks **[International Youth Day](https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day)** today, the **[United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime](https://www.unodc.org/)** calls on the youth to take charge of their health and future. Drug use among young adults has been linked to negative health and social outcomes in later years. 

**[Harm reduction](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/)**, or minimization, refers to a philosophy and set of practices that acknowledge that substance use – be it alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes – is a part of life. It aims to reduce the negative harmful effects of substance use, rather than simply ignoring or condemning it.

Click **[HERE](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/articles/Could-Harm-Reduction-Benefit-T)** to read the full article on **Youth and Harm Reduction**. 

![Intl Youth Day.jpeg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/bb8ef385544f20c9ebbb645c35f60dd9.jpeg)


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International Youth Day: Could Harm Reduction Benefit The Youth?

There are 1,1 billion smokers worldwide and combustible tobacco products continue to kill more than **8 million of its consumers per year**.  Although most smokers want to quit, only **4% succeed**. For those adult smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking, non-combustible, nicotine-based alternative products now offer a "fire-escape". These products represent "**[Harm reduction strategies](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf)**", envisioned in [**Article 1(d) of the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)**](http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/42811/9241591013.pdf;jsessionid=FE39B3E73C3DF2396B56C41019732698?sequence=1). 
What are the regulatory hurdles to accelerating tobacco harm reduction, as adjuvant to tobacco control? What regulatory principles need to be established, scaled and leveraged to save more lives of adult smokers? How can we harness harm reduction innovation to make preventive tobacco control more efficient, and free up resources for global healthcare? 

We were joined for a virtual dialogue by a distinguished panel of harm reduction experts; 
> **[Prof. Heino Stöver](https://www.frankfurt-university.de/en/about-us/faculty-4-health-and-social-work/contacts-at-faculty-4/professors-at-faculty-4/heino-stover/)** of the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
> **[Dr. Derek Yach](https://twitter.com/swimdaily?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor)**: former Director of WHO and global health consultant

The **RESET framework** was discussed by the panel. The below information shines some light on what exactly this framework entails:

**R** = Risk - based regulation (labelling, packaging, promotion)

**E** = Ensuring intended use (prevent youth access, safety)

**S** = Safety and Quality (ingredients, product standards, testing + conformity with chemical and electronic regulation)

**E** = Environmental Considerations (lifecycle of ENDS, regulating environmental impact, align with ESG standards)

**T** = Traceability and Fiscal Policies (regulation ensuring product authenticity throughout supply chain, risk-proportionate fiscal polices)

 The webinar recording can be seen **[here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-prWzjKSAys).**

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Tobacco Harm Reduction RESET: Save Lives Through Sound Regulation

RESET: Saving Lives Through Sound Regulation of Safer Nicotine Alternatives (Full Webinar)

Lives Saved

Misinformation

Petitions

Studies

THR Australia

THR Videos

THR Webinars

We were joined by **[Michelle Minton](https://twitter.com/michelleminton)**, *nicotine researcher* and *policy analyst* to discuss key topics in tobacco harm reduction. We talked about things like: the unspoken benefits of tobacco and nicotine, the truth about vaping and popcorn lung and how narratives can prevent people from objectively looking at evidence. 

To see some **mini clips** from the webinar, click [**HERE**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHKweBxXVzcskK-HOo8PEg).

Or click below to watch the **full webinar** on our YouTube Channel.

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Michelle Minton, THR Advocate and Policy Analyst at The Reason Foundation, talks to THR.net 

Women in THR: Coffee Chat | Michelle Minton Webinar Full

THR.net were recently joined by **Romanian Dental Professor [Mihaela Răescu](https://www.stomaeduj.com/wp-content/uploads/CV-Mihaela-RAESCU.pdf)** on a webinar, in which she speaks candidly about the main issues surrounding THR in Dentistry, [**improving oral health**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products) in smokers using tobacco harm reduction, the dental benefits of switching to heated tobacco products, and research areas she would like to pursue in tobacco harm reduction. 

Click below to watch the full webinar, and [click **HERE**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHKweBxXVzcskK-HOo8PEg/videos) to view some mini clips!


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New Webinar: Romanian Prof. Dr. Mihaela Răescu, Dental Expert and Researcher, Speaks To Thr.net 

Vaping

Women in THR

The [**Institute for Addiction Research (ISFF)**](https://www.frankfurt-university.de/de/hochschule/fachbereich-4-soziale-arbeit-gesundheit/forschung-am-fb-4/forschungsinstitute/institut-fuer-suchtforschung-isff/) organised the **5th specialist conference on October 12th, 2022**. 

The 5th conference is about the ambitious goal of **reducing the smoking prevalence in the adult population to below 5% by 2040 (currently 32%)**: Which strategies can lead to the fact that this goal is also achieved?

They invited speakers who spoke on the following topics (click **[HERE](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRTcgVEfLKYkXJ5zgCkjKvekXlkWpqy8)** for the playlist);

1. Dual Use
 
2. "... and if we make it...?
What is to be expected for morbidity/mortality with low smoking prevalence, when are relief effects likely to occur?”
 
3. Recent developments: RESET (a framework for tobacco harm reduction products)
 
4. Workplace health promotion / smoking cessation

5. Nicotine – to blame for everything? About misunderstandings and facts about the premature mortality of smokers
 
6. Now it's getting tasteless - debate about flavors - what we know, what we should know
 
7. Flavors: Relevance from a consumer perspective
 
8. Smoking movers, non-smoking magistrates - social and health inequalities in smoking prevalence
 
9. The RauS study - variety of individual strategies from tobacco addiction
 
10. Position paper 2.0

Click on the video below to watch **Dr. Delon Human** discussing the RESET framework for THR.

To access more resources about tobacco harm reduction click [**HERE**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr).

To read our E-Book, click [**HERE**](https://media.thr.net/strapi/d5b691d7b57a532da30f41f52dd63dcc.pdf). 


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"5% by 2040 - can we do it? - Promising smoking cessation strategies". Frankfurt University E-Cig Conference brings together global experts on tobacco harm reduction.

Frankfurt University E-Cigarette Conference 2022 - RESET Dr Delon Human (English)

Restrictions create black market for unregulated, mislabelled nicotine vaping products

Since 1 October 2021, nicotine liquid has been classified as a [**prescription-only medicine in Australia**](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Pages/nicotine-vaping.aspx#:~:text=From%201%20October%202021%2C%20all,4%20(prescription%20only)%20medicines.). Australia is the only country that classifies nicotine vaping products (NVPs) as such, in other Western countries nicotine liquid is seen as a consumer product.

The Australian model has been **an embarrassing failure**. Although the aim was to allow adults to access nicotine vapes with a doctor's support and prevent youth vaping, the opposite effect is the reality. It has created a thriving black market that sells **unregulated, mislabelled nicotine products** to adults and to children.

The [Australian Medical Association (AMA)](https://www.ama.com.au/) is pushing to increase NVP restrictions. This approach will:

- Fuel the black market by driving the sale of NVPs further underground
- Reduce adult access to vaping, as very few doctors are willing to prescribe NVPs
- Increase youth smoking, as vaping diverts young people away from smoking
- Lead to more smoking, as vaping is the most effective and popular quitting aid in Australia and worldwide

Watch [Dr Colin Mendelsohn's](https://colinmendelsohn.com.au/)full interview [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZ6a91jEp0).

For more information about nicotine products and smoking cessation, [click here](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products).

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AUSTRALIA'S PRESCRIPTION-ONLY MODEL FOR VAPING HAS BEEN AN EMBARRASSING FAILURE

Expert says Australia's prescription-only vaping model is a failure

GFN TV News Episode #38  NICOTINE UNDER FIRE IN AUSTRALIA. Dr Colin Mendelsohn

Oral Nicotine Delivery Systems such as vaping, nicotine pouches, and snus represent the next generation of smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine products.

Over the last two decades, vaping, nicotine pouches and a range of other less harmful products have completely transformed the nicotine space. Oral Nicotine Delivery Systems, or ONDS, represent the next generation in smokeless, tobacco-free nicotine products.

Scientific evidence surrounding the benefits of nicotine pouches and snus has been mounting. A recent [study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32466721/) from the [Karolinska Institute in Sweden](https://ki.se/en), which involved 400,000 participants and covered 9-million-person years, has shown that there is no association between snus use and oral cancer. A separate [study](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/systematic-review-confirms-harmful-health-outcomes-from-cother-hajat/) conducted by the physician and epidemiologist, [Dr. Cother Hajat](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cother-hajat-b912261a) shows that we should not classify all oral tobacco or nicotine products in the same risk camp, and that snus confers no excess risks for oral and many other cancers, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung diseases. When taking the scientific evidence into consideration, it comes as no surprise that the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has [authorised](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-grants-first-ever-modified-risk-orders-eight-smokeless-tobacco-products) Swedish Match's snus as being appropriate for the protection of public health under its modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) guidance.

Regulators and international organisations continue to group [oral nicotine products](https://oralnicotine.com/oral-nicotine/what-is-it) with combustible tobacco products, ignoring [the evidence of their positive impacts](https://oralnicotine.com/publications). The WHO's [latest report](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240061484) on oral health fails to distinguish between [snus and toxic smokeless tobacco products](https://oralnicotine.com/oral-nicotine/benefits) and raises unscientific concerns about the [potential negative effect of nicotine from vaping on oral cancer.](https://oralnicotine.com/publications)

Sweden assumes the [Presidency of the Council of the European Union](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/presidency-council-eu/) in January 2023, so right now is the perfect time to look at the role snus has played in allowing them to become the European leader in smoking cessation.

Sweden has the lowest smoking rate in the EU at [6%](https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/living-conditions-and-lifestyle/andtg/tobacco/), compared to the EU average of 23%. As a result of this, Sweden has the lowest tobacco mortality rate in Europe. Snus has been at the centre of the reduction measures, but in recent years, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes have proven to be [useful additional tools for Swedish smokers aiming to quit.](https://oralnicotine.com/oral-nicotine/benefits) The progressive, pro harm-reduction Swedish model is clearly distinct from the tobacco control policies proposed by other EU Member States. Ensuring that [less harmful alternatives to smoking, such as nicotine pouches and vapes](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products), are accessible will be paramount to ensure that other countries can replicate Sweden's success.

At [Tobaccoharmreduction.net](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/) and the [Oral Nicotine Commission](https://oralnicotine.com/about-us), we have developed an advocacy instrument, which addresses public misconceptions surrounding tobacco harm reduction.


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The Swedish harm reduction approach reduces smoking rates

Lifting restrictions on nicotine products in Australia could save up to 104,200 lives by 2080.



A [recent study](https://academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ntr/ntac210/6693990) showed that for those who already smoke tobacco, switching to nicotine vaping products (NVPs) is more beneficial for their long-term health. Lifting the restrictions on nicotine products in [Australia could save as many as 104,200 lives](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/en/article/AUS_lives_saved) by 2080 by lowering the smoking rate to 2.2%. Watch the video below.

Click [here to watch more videos](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRTcgVEfLKZlOmNS_SIVdFZSJjMRfOC0) about the lives saved potential if people switched to alternative products.

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NEW VIDEO: THE LIVES THAT COULD BE SAVED IN AUSTRALIA IF VAPING RESTRICTIONS WERE RELAXED

New video: Australian lives could be saved if vaping rules relaxed

Lives Saved in Australia

[**THR.net**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr) sat down with [**Michelle Minton**](https://twitter.com/michelleminton) of the [Reason Foundation](https://reason.org/) for the latest #WomenInTHR episode, in honour of [**World Mental Health Day in October**](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day). We discussed the topics listed below (click on each one to watch the clips):

> [Addiction and nicotine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P70-EoQaKt8&t=1s)

> [Mental Health Disorders and The Benefits of Nicotine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyMOZXOu4jQ)

> [Anti Smoking Campaign Effects On Youth](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--axrVx7W4Q&t=249s)

> [Narratives Prevent People From Objectively Looking At The Evidence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOIk19p_Kso)

> [The Quit or Die Approach in Tobacco Control](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYzi15IEUBw)

> [Work and research into nicotine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhlAml08MeU) 

> [The unspoken benefits of tobacco and nicotine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vCkdpV-m2k) 

Click on [**this link here**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHKweBxXVzcskK-HOo8PEg/featured) to access our YouTube channel with mini clips for small and digestible videos.

Click below to watch the part called > “[**Mental Health Disorders and The Benefits of Nicotine**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyMOZXOu4jQ)”


Latest #WomenInTHR webinar with Michelle Minton now on YouTube

Women in THR: Coffee Chat with Michelle Minton | Mental Health Diagnosis & Nicotine

A [**new study**](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.16063) published in **Addiction** (by [**the society for the Study of Addiction**](https://www.addiction-ssa.org/)) has found significant harm reduction when switching from smoking to vaping or dual use. Following a [**systematic review**](https://ebn.bmj.com/content/14/3/64), this [**secondary analysis**](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/secondary-analysis) incorporated nine studies from Greece, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States. It features **1,299 adult participants** who smoked combustible cigarettes (CC), switched completely from smoking CC to electronic cigarettes (EC), or who switched to using both CC and EC (dual users). 

In a **secondary analysis**, researchers work with previously collected existing data (secondary data) to perform a new study. This allows researchers to work with large data sets, as they can work with data from multiple studies. A **systematic review** uses all the existing research and also secondary research (research on research). A high-quality **systematic review** is one of the most reliable sources of evidence to guide clinical practice, as it delivers a meticulous summary of the available primary research in response to a research question.

Measurements for the study were conducted using **carbon monoxide (CO) and other biomarkers**. [**Biomarkers (biological markers**)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3078627/) are biological molecules found in body fluids or tissues that signal a normal or abnormal process or a condition or disease. Measuring biomarkers enabled the researchers to indicate how biomarkers of harm change based on participants’ smoking/vaping behaviour. 

The study found exhaled CO (eCO) to be lower in participants who switched to EC completely than those who smoke CC or are dual users. eCO was also significantly lower in dual users than in CC only participants. 13 biomarkers were measured to compare EC versus CC – of these, 12 were lower in the EC groups. 25 biomarkers were measured when comparing EC to CC and dual use – of these, the results were lower for EC groups for 12 measures and for dual use groups for 5 measures. 

This secondary analysis confirms that exclusive EC use is associated with lower levels of biomarkers of harm than the exclusive use of CC or dual use. This supports the broad scientific consensus that the greatest health improvements come from ceasing the use of CC completely, and that (although not completely without risk) EC is a reduced-risk alternative that offers harm reduction benefits. An analysis such as this study not only informs debates concerning the potential harms and benefits of dual use but also illustrates the changes a smoker might expect if they switched completely to ECs or dual use.

Access [**www.tobaccoharmreduction.net**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr) to learn more about tobacco harm reduction.

![Research Quotes (8).png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/c9f26721d66a1111dbc66aeb3dac2c15.png)




New study finds that switching from smoking to vaping or dual use significantly reduces potential harm

An all-star panel of global public health experts has highlighted the success that Sweden has achieved in reducing smoking rates to just 5%. 

An all-star panel of global public health experts came together in a hybrid event ([**click here**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J34ApWOYM2M&t=23s)) on **30th November** to highlight the **success that Sweden** has achieved in reducing smoking rates to just **5%**, and ensuring the lowest lung, oral, larynx, heart disease, stroke and COPD rates amongst men in Europe. 

The panel also discussed the worldwide issues with the regulation and acceptance of snus and oral nicotine products and discussed opportunities and practical ideas for how individuals, organizations and governments can create change through simple incentive schemes. [**Dr. Delon Human**](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/dr-delon-human) mentioned that if we applied the same principles and practices that governments used during the covid19 pandemic, we could save many lives in tobacco control through the acceptance and risk-proportionate regulation of snus and oral nicotine products. ([**Click here** to keep up to date with the Swedish twitter campaign](https://twitter.com/Tobaccoharmred1).)

**The panel featured:**

Dr. Derek Yach - Physician and global health consultant.

Professor Mihaela Răescu - Dentist and oral health expert. 

Professor Karl Fagerström - Psychologist and inventor of the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, which is a standard instrument for assessing the intensity of physical addiction to nicotine.

Dr. Anders Milton - Physician with extensive experience in public service, a highly sought-after consultant in the healthcare sector and a former chair of the World Medical Association (WMA).

Professor Solomon Rataemane - Professor of Psychiatry and expert in mood disorders.

Joseph Magero - Public policy professional and Chairman of Campaign for Safer Alternatives. 

Lars Ramström - Former Director of the Institute for Tobacco Studies and oral nicotine / snus expert.

Dr. Delon Human - Physician and global public health consultant.

Dr. Kgosi Letlape - Physician and health care leader from South Africa. 

To read the latest press release from the event [**click here**](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/12/07/sweden-approaching-smoke-free-goal/). 

To read more about the oral nicotine commission and snus, [**click here**](https://www.oralnicotine.com/oral-nicotine/what-is-it) 


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Oral health experts highlight Swedish success with snus products

Modern Oral Nicotine Meeting, 30th November 2022

Local legislators are making it harder for citizens who smoke to switch to safer nicotine options, say tobacco harm reduction advocates. 

[**APTHR M**](https://apthrmedia.org/)[**edia**](https://apthrmedia.org/) **Press Release.**

 "Raising the legal age for buying cigarettes to 20 is a good move, but effectively banning e-cigarettes is disappointing from Taiwan," says Nancy Loucas, executive director of the [Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates](https://caphraorg.net/) (CAPHRA).

"We're all for getting tougher on cigarettes but only if smokers and those desperate to quit have a viable, accessible alternative. Taiwan's legislators are sadly only making it harder for the 19% of citizens who smoke to switch to safer nicotine options," she says.

In January, lawmakers approved the third reading of the [Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act](https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=L0070021#:~:text=No%20person%20shall%20provide%20tobacco,in%20form%20of%20tobacco%20products.), banning e-cigarettes and requiring [heated tobacco products (HTPs)](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr-products) to comply with the law.

Amendments place e-cigarettes in the 'cigarette-like product' category, effectively banning their use as well as the sale, provision or manufacturing of their necessary components. The amendments take effect a month after their publication by the Government.

People who use HTPs or e-cigarettes that are not approved by authorities would face fines as would those who manufacture, import, provide or advertise tobacco products, or non-approved HTPs.

Taiwan is an island nation 100 miles off the east coast of mainland China. It has a population of about 24 million, of which about 19 percent of adults are believed to smoke.

"Sadly, Taiwan now joins some other countries in Asia which have outright vaping bans in place. The [World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int/) and its Bloomberg Philanthropies - funded allies will no doubt be pleased. Their meddling and pressure have worked again.

"The move, however, goes against growing international science and public outrage that such bans are an affront to human rights and improving public health outcomes," says [Ms Loucas](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/nancy-loucas).

She says the fact that a relatively progressive nation like Taiwan can be convinced to ban vaping is the talk of the global [Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) community](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/community).

All eyes will be on [COP10 in Panama](https://fctc.who.int/newsroom/news/item/17-11-2022-panama-host-upcoming-cop10-mop3) this coming November - hosted by the [World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)](https://fctc.who.int/who-fctc/overview) which continues to press for signatory states to adopt ever more restrictive policies, including outright bans.

Recently, [CAPHRA](https://caphraorg.net/) wrote to its delegates from around the world, noting that two high-profile studies, which have been quoted by tobacco controllers regarding the dangers of nicotine and vaping, have since been retracted and removed from significant medical journals.

'Consumers' rights to choose to use less harmful products to switch from smoking remain under tremendous threat from FCTC's continuing failure to address scientific evidence, democratic processes and human rights,'  [CAPHRA](https://caphraorg.net/) wrote.

[Ms Loucas](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/nancy-loucas): "Taiwanese lawmakers say their amendments help ratify their commitments to WHO's FCTC. However, the FCTC has a mandate to pursue harm reduction as a core tobacco control policy - a position it has singularly failed to acknowledge or implement since its inception. Taiwan is conveniently overlooking that.

"Taiwan's smokers have the right to avoid adverse health outcomes and to access less harmful nicotine products as alternatives to smoking. It is very disappointing Taiwan's lawmakers are buying into WHO's discredited position," says Nancy Loucas.

For a free digital media repository on tobacco harm reduction in Asia Pacific - including media releases, images, and graphics - please visit [https://apthrmedia.org](https://apthrmedia.org/)

 **About CAPHRA**
  The [Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates](https://caphraorg.net/) is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organizations. Its mission is to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.

You can also find further information on [tobaccoharmreduction.net](https://www.tobaccoharmreduction.net/thr) regarding advocacy and resources for consumers and health professionals.

Taiwan vaping ban disappointing for its many smokers

Approximately 30% of adults between 15-64 are current smokers in Spain - shows the latest available data. There is a well-funded and vocal abstinence-only tobacco control establishment in Spain, and it seems to do its utmost to fight tobacco harm reduction. 

Clive Bates’ latest blog post with text, commentary and a 2 minute video explaining THR is well worth a read/listen and can be found here: [**A powerful declaration makes a compelling case for tobacco harm reduction**](https://clivebates.com/a-powerful-declaration-makes-a-compelling-case-for-tobacco-harm-reduction/). His [**tweet is here**](https://twitter.com/Clive_Bates/status/1585542869720469505). 

The international letter can be found here: [**Less Harm: international declaration for a smoke-free Spain (PDF)**](https://clivebates.com/documents/SpainInternationalLetterOct2022EN.pdf)

“So this is a call for the government to pay a little less attention to them and to reflect more on the opportunity to do better through THR.” says Clive. “Tireless work and energy from [**Carmen Escrig**](https://twitter.com/EscrigCarmen) to pull this together and kudos to the [**Plataforma para la reducción del daño por tabaquismo**](https://www.porlareducciondedanoportabaquismo.org/).”

![Spain Declaration.png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/9f1056f874fce92d60fae6e9ffade330.png)



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 Published letter from Spanish THR advocates signing a declaration for a smoke-free Spain backed by 170 national and international experts. “Useful beyond Spain and a great piece of work” - says Clive Bates of Counterfactual Consulting Ltd.

Implementing the Philippine nicotine products Regulation Act will save lives, says harm reduction advocates


![Clarisse Virgino (1).png](https://media.thr.net/strapi/f6e0f098db4b2b5d758009ad57d020e1.png)


"Any concerns about youth vaping are well covered in last year's landmark vape law. The Philippines has more than enough regulations and safeguards now in place, without a Senator trying to relitigate everything," says Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA ([Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates](https://caphraorg.net/)).

Her comments follow the Senate recently adopting a resolution denouncing the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes and other vape products towards the youth. It saw [Senator Pia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pia_Cayetano) [Cayetano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pia_Cayetano) deliver a speech where she claimed vape flavours and designs draw young people to the products.

Last year, smokefree advocates around the world celebrated the Philippines passing the Republic Act 1190, otherwise known as the 'Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act'.

Regulation of the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaping products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) became law on 25 July 2022.

At the time advocates said the law strongly protects minors, helps to eradicate blackmarkets, ensures safety standards, and critically delivers adult accessibility to viable alternatives for smokers desperate to quit.

"Without doubt, the legislation and regulations are aimed at protecting youth, despite it not being expressly stated in the statute. For example, there are provisions that expressly provide prohibition on selling to minors.

She says there is also a provision where it is expressly stated that flavour descriptors that unduly appeal to minors are prohibited. This includes candy, fruits, desserts, and cartoon graphics.

Late last year, following the passing of the vape law, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

"It's the DTI's mandate and responsibility to implement the new vaping laws. The Philippines doesn't need any more Senate speeches and resolutions. It just needs the regulator and retailers to work together to ensure young people are protected as was clearly intended," says Nancy Loucas.

Clarisse Virgino, Philippine representative to the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), agrees that any issues pertaining to the vape law now lie with the DTI.

"This is not a Senate issue but an issue around implementation. We must let the DTI do its job and positively work with the industry and retailers to make sure they're educated and compliant. Many parties, including consumer advocates, worked on the vape law in good faith. Let's continue that good faith," says Ms Virgino.

She says despite political argument at the edges the Philippines now leads the charge in Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) among its Asian neighbours.

"Our country has endured a terrible smoking epidemic for decades, with nearly 90,000 Filipinos dying annually from smoking-related diseases. We've now adopted a successful THR strategy which will see smoking rates fall. Ours is landmark and leading legislation. It just needs time to bed in.

"The 2022 vape law will deliver real results and help eradicate smoking. Our focus now must be to ensure 16 million Filipino smokers have a viable path to switch to safer nicotine products," says Clarisse Virgino.

For a free digital media repository on tobacco harm reduction in Asia Pacific

- including media releases, images, and graphics - please visit [https://apthrmedia.org](https://apthrmedia.org/)

**About CAPHRA**

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organizations. Its mission is to educate, advocate and

represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.

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Time to support Filipino vape law, not relitigate it

Clive Bates, Director of Counterfactual Consulting, refutes the false activist proposition that kids are hooked by the flavours in e-cigarettes.

[**Clive Bates**](https://twitter.com/Clive_Bates?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor), Director of [Counterfactual Consulting](https://clivebates.com/), not only challenges but refutes the **false activist proposition** that kids are hooked by the flavours in e-cigarettes. In his article, [**The Bullshit Asymmetry Principle**](https://modelthinkers.com/mental-model/bullshit-asymmetry-principle), he assiduously challenges this premise by asking and answering five questions.

1. Do flavours cause youth tobacco or nicotine use? No, adolescents already open to tobacco use are those mostly prone to vaping, regardless of flavours.
2. So, what _does_ cause youth tobacco or nicotine use? It is not related to tobacco product features but to the characteristics of the individual and their circumstances, such as genetics, parental smoking, poverty, delinquency, rebelliousness, low self-esteem, peer group, etc.
3. What would teenage vapers do if they were not vaping? Teenagers interested in nicotine would likely revert to cigarettes, cigars or other tobacco products because the underlying demand remains unchanged.
4. How would a ban on flavours work? Prohibitions change the supply side for the worse. They cause new hazards due to informal manufacturing and workarounds. Illicit supply might also bring adolescents into contact with criminal networks.
5. What is really going on with youth vaping? Youth vaping follows two broad patterns: frivolous and experimental use (faddish, infrequent use) and determined nicotine use (teenagers who would otherwise use cigarettes or other tobacco products).

[Read the full article](https://tobaccoreporter.com/2022/12/01/the-bullshit-asymmetry-principle/) for more details.


![flavors.jpeg](https://media.thr.net/strapi/cb475fb5c6dd1b86ab079b665fd9beb9.jpeg)


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