Raising pay can reduce smoking rates
A 10% increase in wages leads to a 5% drop in smoking rates among male workers with low education levels. Increasing the minimum wage could improve quitting rates for smokers and has significant health benefits.
Tobacco
Articles tagged with Tobacco
A community of soil bacteria saves plants from root rot
Researchers found that a protective mix of root bacteria can prevent sudden wilt disease in wild tobacco plants. The right combination of soil microbiota is crucial for plant survival, and crop rotation plays a vital role in preventing the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
Young adults believe hookah, e-cigs are safer than cigarettes
A study of 2,871 young adults found that many believe e-cigarettes and hookah are less risky than cigarettes. Younger respondents (18-24) were more likely to rate e-cigs and hookah as safer, while older respondents (25-34) were more cautious. Despite this, most respondents continued to use tobacco products.
Something to chew on -- millions of lives blighted by smokeless tobacco
Millions of lives are blighted by smokeless tobacco each year, resulting in millions more having their health shortened. Researchers call for governments to regulate smokeless tobacco products as the global impact is assessed for the first time.
Teens using e-cigarettes may be more likely to start smoking tobacco
A new NIH-funded study reveals a possible link between e-cigarette use and initiation of tobacco use among teenagers. Students who used e-cigarettes by the time they started ninth grade were more likely to start using combustible tobacco products within the next year.
Study finds nicotine changes marijuana's effect on the brain
A recent study at the Center for BrainHealth found that nicotine use alters the effects of marijuana on the brain. The researchers discovered an association between smaller hippocampal brain volume and increased memory performance in individuals who use both marijuana and tobacco compared to those who only use marijuana or tobacco excl...
Stanford scientists say e-cigarettes could have health impacts in developing world
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly available in low- and middle-income countries, where they pose a significant public health risk. The devices may produce known carcinogens and carry the potential for addiction, exacerbating cardiovascular disease and lung problems.
Teens who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to begin smoking
Teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking combustible tobacco products, according to a recent study. The study found that e-cigarette users were 31% more likely to report using combustible tobacco within six months of using e-cigarettes.
Smoking cessation drug not boosting number of smokers who quit
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that varenicline, a prescription smoking-cessation aid, has no significant impact on the rate of smokers who successfully quit. Instead, it appears to displace the use of older tobacco addiction therapies, such as nicotine patches and bupropion.
Nicotine-eating bacteria could one day help smokers kick the habit
Researchers have identified a bacterial enzyme called NicA2 that breaks down nicotine in blood samples within 30 minutes. The enzyme also remained stable for several days and showed no observable side effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a new approach to help smokers quit.
Georgia State School of Public Health to help Fulton County with tobacco studies
The Georgia State School of Public Health will conduct research on smoking prevalence and attitudes towards second-hand smoke in Fulton County. The project aims to inform efforts aimed at improving the environment around tobacco use and creating more smoke-free spaces.
Every country in the world can afford to support its smokers to stop
A major new review reveals that every country can afford to support its smokers to stop, with effective measures like cytisine, brief advice, telephone helplines, text messaging programs, and books available globally at low cost. Implementing these solutions could save thousands of lives worldwide.
Novel model developed to predict the amount of nicotine emitted from e-cigarettes
Researchers developed a novel model to predict the amount of nicotine emitted from e-cigarettes, achieving up to 90% accuracy. The study found that higher voltage devices paired with high-nicotine liquids can deliver more nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
Effects over time of tobacco tax increases in New Zealand
Annual tobacco tax increases in New Zealand are projected to lead to significant health gains and cost savings, particularly among indigenous populations. The study found that Māori populations would experience a 3.7 fold increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to non-Māori populations.
E-cigarettes may be as addictive as traditional ones
Researchers found that e-cig liquids contain primarily free-base nicotine, the most addictive form, and often do not match label concentrations. This suggests that e-cigarettes can be just as hazardous to health as traditional tobacco products.
Progressively reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes may not lead smokers to quit
A two-year study found that reducing nicotine content did not increase quitting rates among smokers. The test group's nicotine levels returned to normal after returning to their usual brand of cigarettes, with low quitting rates observed.
Low-nicotine cigarettes fail to sway smokers
A two-year study by UCSF researchers found that smokers who switched to low-nicotine cigarettes were unable to quit smoking in the long term. Despite initial drops in nicotine levels, participants' smoking habits rebounded when they returned to regular cigarettes.
Physicians testified for tobacco companies against plaintiffs with cancer, Stanford study finds
A Stanford University School of Medicine researcher found that six otolaryngologists were paid by tobacco companies to testify that environmental factors, not smoking, caused head and neck cancers. The physicians' testimony was scientifically invalid and part of a defense strategy to create doubt in jurors' minds.
Deceptive flowers
Scientists found that flowers with both scent and nectar attract more pollinators, increasing outcrossing rates. Nectar has a larger impact on female moths laying eggs than floral scent.
Impact of smoking on California's economy in decline at $18.1 billion per year
The study estimates the total cost of smoking in California at $18.1 billion for 2009, down from $7.6 billion and $15.8 billion in previous years. This decline is attributed to a decrease in adult smoking prevalence and a shift towards less intense smoking habits.
Moffitt Cancer Center receives $3.6 million grant to study e-cigarettes
The Moffitt Cancer Center has received a $3.6 million grant to investigate the long-term use of e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking strategy. The five-year study will enroll 2,500 e-cigarette users and follow them for 24 months to gather data on their effectiveness.
Doctors and scientists call for divestment from fossil fuel companies
Leading doctors and academics call for divestment from fossil fuel companies, citing the need to prevent runaway climate change and unprecedented harm to global health. The authors argue that shareholder engagement is ineffective in switching dependence on fossil fuels with renewables.
As smoking declines, more are likely to quit
A new study finds that as smoking declines overall, remaining smokers are actually less likely to smoke and more likely to quit. The study challenges the need to promote e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy, suggesting that current tobacco control policies have been successful in reducing smoking prevalence.
BMJ investigation examines bitter dispute over e-cigarettes in the public health community
The BMJ investigation reveals a sharp divide within the public health community regarding e-cigarettes and 'harm reduction'. Experts debate the products' potential to help smokers quit and the tobacco industry's true intentions. Some argue for collaboration with the industry, while others fear it may be a Trojan horse.
Smoking allowed in growing number of restaurants, bars in Georgia
Researchers at Georgia State University found a doubling of establishments permitting smoking in designated dining areas and outdoor spaces. The percentage of restaurants and bars allowing smoking nearly doubled from 9.1% to 17.6% between 2006 and 2012.
Highly educated women stop smoking if the cost goes up
A study published in Addictive Behaviors found that cigarette prices and pictorial labels are effective in reducing smoking rates among women. Highly educated women were more responsive to price increases, while less educated women were more influenced by pictorial labels.
Inclusion of experimenters in e-cigarette prevalence studies of 'questionable' value
Research published in Tobacco Control found that including experimenters in e-cigarette prevalence studies can lead to inaccurate results. The study suggests setting a threshold of six days out of the past 30 for more accurate monitoring of population health trends. Current smokers were more likely to use e-cigarettes than former or ne...
Additives in low tar ('light') and e-cigarettes may reinforce nicotine dependence
Research suggests pyrazines, found in low tar cigarettes, can act independently of nicotine to prompt dopamine release and enhance tobacco dependence. The study calls for swift regulation of pyrazine additives to mitigate their role in nicotine addiction.
Smokers and those exposed to passive smoke require more anesthetic and painkiller during operations
A study by Dr Erdogan Ozturk and colleagues found that smokers need more anaesthetic and painkillers compared to non-smokers, while passive smokers also require higher doses. The researchers suggest that nicotine may affect anaesthetic metabolism or desensitize pain-sensing nerve cells.
End European agreements with tobacco industry designed to curb smuggling, urge experts
Research finds EU tobacco agreements with major companies have failed to stop cigarette smuggling and recoup lost tax revenues. The agreements contain many loopholes that the industry can easily exploit, making them ineffective deterrents.
Parental smoking puts nearly half a million UK children into poverty
A UK study found that 1.1 million children live with at least one smoker parent, and an additional 400,000 would be in poverty if tobacco expenditure is subtracted from household income. This highlights the financial burden of smoking on low-income families.
Smoking legislation prevents over 11,000 child hospital admissions in England each year
A new study found that smoke-free legislation in England leads to a significant reduction in hospital admissions for respiratory tract infections among children. The introduction of legislation resulted in an immediate decrease of 13.8% in lower respiratory tract infection admissions, while upper respiratory tract infections also saw a...
BMJ investigation reveals how big tobacco is able to woo parliamentarians
An investigation by The BMJ found that 38 MPs have accepted over £60,000 worth of tobacco industry hospitality since 2010. More than half of these MPs are from constituencies with higher rates of smoking-related deaths. The study also revealed that 20 of the 38 who had accepted industry hospitality voted against plain packaging.
Smokers don't vote: 11,626-person study shows marginalization of tobacco users
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found smokers are 60% less likely to vote than non-smokers in a recent election. The data comes from the Colorado Tobacco Attitudes and Behaviors Study, which reached 11,626 people through random digit dialing.
One exposure to e-cigarette use diminishes cough reflex sensitivity
A study of 30 healthy adult nonsmokers found that a single exposure to e-cigarette vapor diminished cough reflex sensitivity. However, sensitivity returned to baseline levels 24 hours after exposure. This effect suggests potential risks for chronic e-cigarette use on respiratory health.
Potentially hazardous effects of mechanical and chemical characteristics of e-cigarettes
A new study reveals that e-cigarettes' mechanical and chemical properties influence the production of toxic substances, including acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde. The findings suggest that standardizing these devices is crucial to understanding their health effects.
Researchers examine the dangers bubbling up from hookah steam stones
New research from the University of Cincinnati found residues of chromium, arsenic, and cadmium in simulated hookah/steam stones smoking scenarios, raising concerns about the safety of these alternatives to cigarette smoking. The study suggests that most toxic metals came from charcoal used to heat the apparatus.
New report: First compilation of global addictions
The Global Statistics on Addictive Behaviours report found that Australia has lower rates of tobacco use and alcohol abuse compared to the UK. Illicit drug use is significant in Australia, with higher rates of cannabis, ecstasy, and amphetamine-type drug use.
Established a psychological technique to helps smokers quite tobacco
A new psychological technique called Motivational Interviewing has been shown to help smokers change their behavior and see tobacco as unpleasant. This technique, which takes just 20 minutes, increases self-efficiency and reduces resistance, allowing smokers to overcome motivation barriers.
Keeping legalized marijuana out of hands of kids
Researchers suggest four strategies to prevent marijuana use among minors: increasing prices through tax policy, regulating retail availability, preventing accidental ingestion by children, and restricting marketing. These measures can help minimize youth access to marijuana.
New tool to evaluate next-generation tobacco and nicotine products
Researchers at British American Tobacco developed a new smoking-specific survey, TQoLIT, to assess the impact of next-generation tobacco and nicotine products on 'otherwise healthy' smokers. The tool improves upon existing general health questionnaires by reducing ceiling effects and detecting specific smoking-related health changes.
Electronic cigarettes gaining in popularity among teens
A recent study found that electronic cigarette use among teenagers is increasing rapidly, with 10% of teens using e-cigarettes in 2012 rising to 11% in 2014. The study also showed that e-cigarette use was more prevalent among older youths and males.
Reducing global tobacco use
The World Health Organization recommends a 30% reduction in smoking rates by 2025. Countries must triple tobacco taxes to achieve this goal, which could save an estimated 200 million lives by the end of the century. Quitting smoking before age 40 can substantially reduce risk.
Smokers underestimate risks of a few cigarettes
A survey of French people aged 40-75 found that many incorrectly believed low cigarette consumption was risk-free for lung cancer. Only half of current smokers considered themselves at higher risk than the average population.
Study: Breastfeeding may prevent postpartum smoking relapse
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that breastfeeding for at least 90 days can significantly reduce smoking in the months following childbirth. The study, which followed 168 pregnant smokers, discovered that breastfeeding was the only significant predictor of change in smoking behaviors among these women.
High flavoring content in some e-cigarettes may be cause for concern
A recent study found that some e-cigarette flavors contain high levels of chemicals that exceed recommended exposure limits and could be respiratory irritants. The research analyzed 30 products and found that 13 contained flavoring chemicals totaling more than 1% by volume, with some levels reaching as high as 3% by weight.
CCNY's Theresa Montini awarded $300,000 for tobacco cessation study
Dr. Theresa Montini is awarding $300,000 from the National Institutes of Health to test a nicotine cessation approach in NYC homeless shelters. Her Matrix model-based treatment aims to promote self-esteem and dignity among homeless clients.
Women smokers concerned about weight are less likely to try to quit
A study published in Tobacco Control found that women who believe smoking helps them manage their weight are less swayed by anti-smoking policies than other female smokers. The researchers suggest that policymakers should consider addressing concerns about weight gain to enhance the effectiveness of quitting smoking initiatives.
PETA and PCRM researchers publish on in vitro methods for assessing tobacco toxicity
Researchers from PETA and PCRM review 50+ technologically advanced tobacco toxicology studies, finding non-animal methods to be quantitatively unreliable. They call for guidance from the FDA on in vitro test methods to reduce animal testing in support of tobacco product applications.
From tobacco to cyberwood
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a highly sensitive temperature sensor called cyberwood, which mimics the properties of temperature-sensitive plants. By incorporating plant cells and pectin molecules, the material responds to small temperature fluctuations with large changes in conductivity.
One in 4 high school seniors now try smoking water pipes
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that almost one in four high school seniors try smoking hookah, with over 78,200 youth current water pipe users. The study warns that water pipes carry similar toxins as cigarettes and can lead to increased cancer risk.
New tobacco atlas details scale, harms of tobacco epidemic
The Tobacco Atlas details the scale of the tobacco epidemic, its harmful influence on health, poverty, social justice, and the environment. The report highlights the tobacco industry's expanding array of tactics to preserve profits, including aggressive marketing and legal action, which cause economic, social, and environmental harm.
Special supplement presents latest evidence on benefits of standardized tobacco packaging
Standardized packaging in Australia has been associated with increased thinking about quitting and quit attempts, as well as a decrease in appeal among school children. In contrast, retail prices for cigarettes have increased across the board, despite no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption.
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings encouraged more thoughts about quitting
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings was associated with increased thoughts of quitting and quit attempts among adult smokers. The study found that smokers were more likely to report intentions to try to quit, conceal their packs from view, and stub out cigarettes prematurely during the introduction period.
Genetic analysis of current smokers shows that high tobacco consumption lowers body weight
A genetic analysis of current smokers reveals that those consuming high amounts of tobacco are more likely to weigh less. The study found a 1.2kg lower body weight among double carriers of the CHRNA3 gene variant associated with higher tobacco consumption.
Hydrazine is not a prevalent contaminant in smokeless tobacco products
A comprehensive survey of toxicants in smokeless tobacco products found that hydrazine is not a prevalent contaminant. Trace levels were detected in some samples but significantly lower than previous reports.
Environmental tobacco smoke is associated with periodontitis in US non-smokers
A cross-sectional analysis of 3,255 US non-smokers found a significant association between environmental tobacco smoke exposure and an increased risk of moderate/severe periodontitis. Serum cotinine levels were used to classify participants as exposed to ETS, with results showing a higher odds ratio among exposed individuals.
E-cigarette advertising makes one crave ... tobacco?
Researchers found that e-cigarette advertising with vaping visuals increased tobacco cravings in daily and former smokers. The study suggests that unregulated e-cigarette ad spending could lead to increased exposure to smoking cues, posing a public health risk. The findings are significant, considering the growing e-cigarette ad industry.
The Lancet: Experts call for a tobacco-free world by 2040
A global tobacco-free world is achievable in less than three decades with sufficient political support and stronger action against the tobacco industry. The Lancet experts call for a 'turbo-charged' effort to phase out tobacco sales by 2040, citing one billion expected deaths from smoking if efforts are not accelerated.
Female fetuses exposed to tobacco smoke may have increased diabetes risk in middle age
A new study of adult daughters found that women whose parents smoked during pregnancy had an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure appears to be a modifiable risk factor for diabetes in offspring.