Articles tagged with Tobacco
Recent scientific studies reveal electronic cigarette use carries significant cardiovascular risks, particularly for young non-smokers. Cardiovascular specialists advocate for laws restricting ECs to youth and banning flavored products to mitigate these risks.
A recent study published in Mutagenesis found that vaping products exhibit little to no DNA damaging potential, contrary to previous concerns. The study used the ToxTracker suite to compare vape e-liquids and aerosols to combustible cigarette smoke, showing significant harm reduction potential for adult smokers
A new protocol called Quit Connect has been shown to increase electronic referrals to free, state-run tobacco quitlines among patients with rheumatic diseases. The program, which leverages electronic health record prompts for nurses and medical assistants, resulted in a 71% increase in referrals.
A new study reveals that Canada's 2016-2017 menthol cigarette ban led to significant increases in smokers attempting to quit, successfully quitting, and experiencing lower relapse rates. The study estimates an additional 923,000 smokers could quit if the US implemented a similar ban.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of Pennsylvania smokers increased their daily cigarette consumption due to stress, boredom, and increased free time. Smokers who experienced this increase were at a higher risk of dependence and had difficulty quitting.
Children exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to use emergent health services, leading to higher costs and toll on the nation's healthcare system. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies such as standardized interventions in urgent care settings and promoting smoke-free home and car policies.
High-strength nicotine e-cigarettes have been found to be an effective smoking cessation method for adults with schizophrenia. In a 12-week study, 40 participants showed a sustained 50% reduction in smoking or complete abstinence, and significant improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and quality of life.
Experts recommend shared decision-making between patients and doctors before low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening to ensure informed consent. The process can promote patient engagement, tobacco cessation, and screening adherence, leading to greater health equity.
A UMass Amherst study found a positive linear relationship between tobacco smoking intensity and duration with inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. The researchers suggest that people living with HIV would benefit from quitting or reducing smoking to lower inflammation levels, which are linked to increased disease risk.
A CDC compilation of scientific research found telephone call centers, or quitlines, to be a successful intervention for smoking termination. The study highlights the importance of call centers as an essential population-level tool in tobacco control, particularly among high-risk populations.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, pandemic-related anxiety and irregular routines were major drivers of increased nicotine and tobacco use. The study highlights the need for better support for quit attempts and harm reduction policies to address this uptick in tobacco use.
A new study from China Agricultural University investigates the role of Hsc70-2 protein in virus-host interaction, identifying key amino acids responsible for systemic infection. The research supports a scenario where viral coat protein adaptations ensure better survival and spread among different plant hosts.
A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that alcohol and tobacco sales nationwide rose significantly during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales increases were highest among younger adults, ethnic minorities, those with younger children and/or large families, and those with higher incomes.
A new study reveals that menthol cigarettes contributed to a significant increase in smoking prevalence among US youth and adults between 1980 and 2018. The researchers estimated that the availability of menthol cigarettes led to 10.1 million extra smokers, resulting in 378,000 premature deaths over the 38-year period.
A new study found that daily emails about tobacco chemicals and health risks increased smokers' desire to quit by almost 10%. The messages, combined with graphic images, were sufficient to stimulate quit intentions. Researchers believe this innovative strategy can inform the FDA's educational campaigns.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health examines the impact of state preemption laws on local sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. The research reveals that since 2017, four states have passed laws preempting local SSB tax policies, with three of them passing within an average of just 29 days.
A landmark study reveals that airborne particulate matter is contaminated with tobacco smoke-driven particulates, with Nicotelline identified as a suitable marker. The study shows a ubiquitous presence of Nicotelline even at low concentrations, with geographical variability linked to population density and tobacco use prevalence.
Research finds cheap herbal cigarettes and bidis are widely available online, often with unverified health claims, and may act as a gateway to conventional tobacco products. The study calls for urgent regulation of their sale and marketing.
A study of over 1.1 million adolescents from 140 countries found that cigarette smoking decreased in 80 countries but remained unchanged or increased in 60 countries between 1999 and 2018. Other tobacco products like chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes also showed increased use in many countries.
A recent OSU study found that support for smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies grew substantially over a five-year span, with increased support among tobacco users. The study analyzed two surveys conducted at OSU in 2013 and 2018, showing a significant shift in attitudes towards tobacco-free policies.
A new study found that cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately 8.8% of cancer deaths in some areas, while others have rates as high as 35.7%. The proportion of smoking-related cancer deaths varies significantly by region and sex, with men generally having higher rates than women.
Researchers detected Mexican marigold in ancient Maya ceramic vessels, which they believe were mixed with tobacco to enhance its effects. The discovery sheds light on ancient Maya drug use practices and paves the way for further studies on psychoactive plants.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals how plants produce defensive toxins, such as diterpene glycosides, without harming themselves. These plant chemicals attack specific parts of the cell membrane, and plants store them in a non-toxic form to prevent self-harm.
Smokeless tobacco products pose significant health risks due to high nicotine and cancer-causing chemicals. Researchers call for stricter regulations to reduce illicit trading and ensure proper health warnings.
Researchers found that exposure to acrolein, a chemical produced by tobacco combustion, increases cardiovascular disease risk; Higher levels of toxic chemicals were detected in tobacco smokers than marijuana only smokers. The study suggests reducing acrolein exposure could lower risk.
Starting tobacco products before age 18 increases addiction risk for young adults. A recent study found that youth who used e-cigarettes were three times more likely to become daily cigarette smokers compared to those who didn't use e-cigarettes.
A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health found that vaping does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with cigarette smoking. In fact, dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes may be as harmful to cardiovascular health as exclusive cigarette smoking.
A large data analysis of over 7,100 U.S. adults found that vaping combined with smoking results in similar levels of inflammation and oxidative stress as smoking cigarettes exclusively. Researchers also found that dual use of both products does not reduce risk.
Two new studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between vaping and difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Adolescents who started vaping before age 14 were more likely to experience mental fog than those who started later.
Researchers found that almost two-thirds of light smokers (1-4 cigarettes/day) and a quarter of those smoking less than weekly were addicted. The study suggests that clinicians should consider lighter smokers for treatment, as they may still require assistance to quit.
A systematic review by UC San Francisco researchers found that e-cigarette use has no appreciable effect on participants' ability to quit, regardless of frequency or motivation. However, certain e-cigarette devices treated like medicine in clinical trials showed a more significant impact on quitting smoking.
Teen boys who vaped were almost three times as likely to start smoking and two times more likely to try smokeless tobacco than their peers with similar risk profiles. The study used a robust statistical approach to provide evidence of the link between vaping and tobacco use in young people.
The COVID-19 vaccine candidate, KBP-COVID-19, has demonstrated potential advantages in production speed and stability at room temperature, which could reduce the time between virus identification and vaccine deployment. The Phase I study will enroll 180 healthy volunteers to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
A new study suggests that a no-deal Brexit could raise cigarette and tobacco prices in the UK, making it easier to implement effective tobacco control measures. The research also highlights the potential benefits of Brexit for tackling smoking, including reduced smuggling and increased revenue for the government.
A recent study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures. Non-Hispanic white smokers have seen a higher reduction in cigarette use, highlighting the need for targeted public health efforts to address disparities.
The study shows Vype ePen 3 is superior to Vype ePen 2 for nicotine delivery and ranked significantly higher in user satisfaction. The device scored nearly double the likability compared to its predecessor, with improved design features such as increased power and protonated nicotine.
A new University of Michigan study finds that over half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who misuse alcohol or tobacco also have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder. Women are particularly affected, with higher rates of anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD compared to heterosexual women.
Researchers at UIC are studying the burden of tobacco use and developing a smoking cessation program for high-risk populations. The project, Mi Quit CARE, uses patient portals like MyChart to deliver interventions and aims to increase quit rates among low-income communities.
Researchers from Boston University School of Public Health found that e-cigarette use is associated with a 21% increase in respiratory disease risk and a 43% increase in chronic bronchitis risk. Current e-cigarette users are also at higher risk for emphysema, COPD, and asthma.
Using FDA-approved treatments increases the likelihood of success, but many smokers still struggle to quit. New research finds e-cigarettes containing nicotine are more effective than other therapies, including nicotine-free options and behavioral counseling.
Researchers found that over half of e-cigarette users reported symptoms like cough and nausea, with those using flavored products and refillable devices more likely to experience severe symptoms. The study highlights the need for better understanding of e-cigarette risks among healthcare professionals and parents of youth.
A year-long study found that smokers switching exclusively to glo reduced exposure to certain toxicants, similar to quitting completely. Glo's design minimizes ash production and odour, potentially reducing smoking-related diseases risk.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes decreases addictiveness, particularly among those with mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage. The research suggests that lower nicotine content could lead to policy changes benefiting all smokers, especially the most vulnerable.
A recent review from LSU Health New Orleans found an association between heat-not-burn tobacco products and increased risk of heart problems, cell death, and circulatory dysfunction. The study highlights the need for further research into the health effects of these products.
A new study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that frequent phone counseling significantly improves quit rates among cancer patients who smoke. The intensive program resulted in a 34.5% abstinence rate, compared to 21.5% for those receiving less frequent counseling.
A new study by University of York found that TV advertising, free tobacco products, and exposure to smoking in public places are the biggest drivers of tobacco use among teens in South Asia. Teaching adolescents about the harmful effects of tobacco at school was effective in reducing smokeless tobacco use but not smoking.
The American Medical Association joins forces with the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council in urging a ban on menthol-flavored tobacco products. Research shows that menthol cigarette smoking persists among vulnerable populations, despite declining overall cigarette consumption. Experts argue that banning menthol cigaret...
A UCSF study found parents are more likely to know their child is using e-cigarettes if they're older and male, but less aware of vaping compared to smoking. Parents setting strict household rules can help prevent tobacco use in children.
A new study suggests that banning menthol cigarettes could avert over 630,000 deaths and benefit communities of color. The research highlights the disproportionate preference for menthol among young smokers, Black smokers, lesbian and gay smokers, bisexual smokers, and those with mental health problems.
A researcher at the University of Oklahoma is conducting a study to investigate the role of menthol flavoring in smoking habits among young adults. The study aims to inform the FDA's decision on whether to ban menthol flavoring in cigarettes, which could reduce smoking rates among at-risk populations.
A study published in Global Public Health reveals that tobacco companies are using cash payments, holidays, and exclusive events to incentivize retailers, bypassing current laws. Former employees describe the tactics as aimed at increasing market share and driving sales through retailer loyalty.
Researchers found that tobacco companies use cash payments, holidays, and events to incentivize retailers to promote their products, reaching consumers indirectly. The study calls for strengthened laws to prohibit all marketing of tobacco products, with no contributions allowed.
New research by British American Tobacco indicates that modern oral nicotine products (MOPs) are less biologically active than traditional cigarettes and snus, with some products failing to elicit a biological response. The study suggests MOPs may be a reduced-risk option for users who switch completely from smoking.
A new report highlights the need for top hospitals to prioritize tobacco treatment, citing a disconnect between rankings and smoking cessation care. The study's authors argue that addressing tobacco dependence should be a priority, especially given its impact on various health conditions, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
Researchers created an optimal experimental environment by introducing engineered plant enzyme into E. coli bacteria. They discovered that a specific subunit of Rubisco works faster than others and can be improved in bacteria to boost crop productivity.
A New Zealand survey found that e-cigarette use is increasing among smokers and recent quitters, with most common reasons being to help quit or cut down on smoking. The study suggests e-cigarettes are contributing to reducing smoking prevalence, but more work is needed to achieve the goal of becoming smokefree by 2025.
Undergraduate students perceive e-cigarette secondhand emissions as harmful when labeled 'chemicals' or 'aerosols', but not 'vapor'. The study recommends accurately labeling e-cigarette emissions to build support for tobacco-free campus policies.
A study by San Diego State University researchers found that cleaning thirdhand smoke residue in homes can reduce nicotine contamination, but the effects are temporary. Frequent vacuuming, dusting, and surface cleaning can help minimize exposure to household dust and touch surfaces.
A Rutgers-led national survey found that 83% of doctors strongly believed nicotine contributed to heart disease, despite its primary risk being addiction. The study suggests physicians need better understanding of nicotine risks to assist patients addicted to tobacco products.
A Rutgers study found that smoking is linked to poorer mental health, more frequent substance use, and social determinants of disparities in marginalized populations. The research suggests a need for comprehensive tobacco treatment addressing psychosocial drivers and systemic stressors.