Articles tagged with Tobacco
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Concordia University study found no significant change in home smoking habits after a Quebec ban. The presence of non-smokers and social networks were key factors in influencing quitting behavior, rather than the law itself.
A new study reveals that up to two-thirds of Australian smokers can expect to die from their habit if they don't quit, with a three times higher risk than non-smokers. The research found that smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and cancer, highlighting the need for continued tobacco control efforts.
Extending UK anti-smoking legislation to parks and squares aims to support healthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young people. The proposal is based on evidence from successful smoking bans worldwide, which have been shown to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.
A large Australian study confirms that up to two-thirds of smokers will die from their habit if they continue smoking. The study found that smokers have a three-fold risk of premature death compared to non-smokers.
The tobacco industry deployed massive third-party lobbying to subvert the revised European Tobacco Products Directive, which became national law next year. The directive includes increased graphic health warnings and restrictions on cigarette packs but was weakened due to industry interference.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that shisha pipes remove only a minimal amount of heavy metals from tobacco smoke. The study analyzed four popular brands of shisha tobacco and found that the levels of heavy metals in smoke were significantly higher than in water, with uranium being the most abundant metal present.
A mobile app with decision support features significantly increased diagnosis rates for tobacco use, adult and pediatric depression, and obesity among registered nurses. The app prompted clinicians to follow evidence-based guidelines and encouraged detailed conversations with patients about their health.
The UK government is set to introduce standardized packaging for tobacco products, building on evidence from Australia and other countries that suggests it can reduce smoking rates. Studies have shown that plain packaging may decrease the appeal of cigarette brands and increase awareness of health warnings, saving lives.
A suite of globally harmonized test methods is needed to measure a wider selection of toxicants in cigarette smoke. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) must coordinate these methods to ensure reproducible and comparable results.
E-cigarettes have shown potential in helping smokers reduce or quit, with a significant role to play in public health. Research suggests that about 9% of smokers who used electronic cigarettes were able to stop smoking for up to one year, compared to 4% of those using nicotine-free placebos.
A study by NYU Steinhardt School found that over a quarter of New York City retailers did not request identification from young adults buying cigarettes. Chain stores were more likely to comply with minimum age laws than independent vendors.
Research from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol found that plain tobacco packaging may reduce the likelihood of smokers seeking cigarettes, with a 10% decrease in 'cigarette-seeking' response compared to branded packs.
A study found that recent marijuana use is associated with symptoms of airway inflammation, while moderate lifetime smoking has no significant impact on lung function. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,000 adults and discovered a link between marijuana use and respiratory symptoms.
A new study estimates that up to two-thirds of never-smoking teens are exposed to secondhand smoke inside and outside their homes, highlighting the need for smoke-free environments. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from over 350,000 teens across 168 countries.
A study published in British Medical Journal: Tobacco Control found that 11 top universities allow tobacco sales on 'campus cash' debit cards, which are often prepaid by parents. The research highlights the risk of students buying cigarettes with their parents' money, raising concerns about campus health policies.
Georgia State University will partner with Chinese health officials to expand tobacco control efforts in major cities, protecting non-smokers from second-hand smoke and encouraging smokers to quit. The project aims to curb smoking and increase quit rates in China, where the country produces more tobacco than any other nation.
A University of Alberta economics professor has discovered a link between contraband cigarette use and illicit drug use among Canadian teens. Contraband smokers are more than double as likely to use illicit drugs compared to non-contraband smokers, according to the study.
Researchers identify a proactive approach to help low-SES smokers quit smoking, with telephone-based motivational counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy increasing quit rates. The study found that community resources, such as physical activity and job counseling referrals, were crucial in promoting tobacco cessation.
A randomized clinical trial found that a telephone-based motivational counseling intervention with tobacco treatment specialists increased quit rates among low-SES adult smokers compared to usual care. The program also showed promise in addressing social context factors related to smoking, with women, blacks, and those living in low-in...
A USF study found that many college students perceive hookah as a safer alternative to cigarette smoking, despite the risks associated with it. The research highlights the need for public health campaigns to address misunderstandings about hookah use and its potential hazards.
Researchers found that e-cigarettes are less addictive than traditional cigarettes, with higher nicotine concentration and longer use leading to greater dependence. The study suggests that e-cigs may have health advantages over cigarettes due to lower levels of toxic substances.
A new study has linked Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder to increased tobacco and alcohol use in young teens. Teens with these conditions were more likely to initiate substance use at a younger age, highlighting the importance of early prevention strategies.
A study found that hookah pipe tobacco use and smokeless tobacco snus were associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among teenagers and young adults. The study also showed that individuals who used these products had a higher likelihood of becoming current or high-intensity smokers.
A Dartmouth study found that hookah smoking increased the probability of trying cigarette smoking over two years by 19%. Hookah and snus use are associated with later cigarette smoking in non-cigarette smoking adolescents and young adults. The study highlights the need for FDA regulation to restrict manufacturers' ability to flavor, pa...
A new study reveals that tobacco smoke's toxin acrolein can accumulate in the spinal cord and exacerbate pain in people with spinal cord injuries. Researchers found that acrolein levels were 50% higher than normal, sparking hope for potential treatment with hydralazine.
A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that e-cigarettes significantly reduced tobacco cravings. In an 8-month study, participants who used e-cigs showed a significant decrease in tobacco cigarette use, with 21% quitting smoking altogether.
Preliminary research suggests that secondhand marijuana smoke can damage blood vessels as much as tobacco smoke, raising concerns about its impact on cardiovascular health. The study found that blood vessel function dropped by 70% after exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.
Support for plain packs increased significantly after implementation, rising from 28.2% to 49%, with those who wanted to quit being more likely to accept them. Smokers with a higher desire to quit and low heavy smoking index were also more supportive of plain packs.
A new study reveals that informed bladder cancer patients are more motivated to quit smoking, which can prolong their lives. Physicians can significantly impact this by educating patients about the link between smoking and their disease.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh finds that teenagers living in neighborhoods with a large number of tobacco shops are almost 50% more likely to smoke. The research suggests that reducing tobacco retailer density could be an effective strategy to reduce smoking rates among adolescents.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers found that thirdhand smoke continues to have harmful health effects for many hours after a cigarette has been extinguished. The study, which assessed levels of volatile organic compounds and airborne particles, found that particulate matter accounted for 90% of the health damage.
Research found that non-smokers living with smokers are exposed to PM2.5 concentrations three times higher than the WHO guidance, similar to heavily polluted cities. Inhaling in a smoke-free home could reduce exposure by over 70% for non-smokers.
A new study by the University of California, San Francisco reveals that smoking in California costs $18.1 billion annually, with a majority of smokers being 'light' users who abstain on certain days. The study found that smoking-attributable deaths were 17 times higher than those from AIDS and five times higher than those from diabetes.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates that there are 14 million smoking-attributable major medical conditions in the US. The largest cause of these illnesses is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with an estimated 7.5 million cases attributable to smoking.
A commentary cautions against using experimental Ebola drugs without proper triage to minimize risks. Meanwhile, health economists highlight a major flaw in the FDA's cost-benefit analysis of proposed cigarette labeling regulations. Additionally, a national study reveals that medical residents have varying levels of knowledge on High V...
A study in JAMA Network found a strong association between tobacco use and the prevalence of oral human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) infection. Tobacco users were more likely to be male, younger, and have higher lifetime oral sexual partners, and had greater levels of biomarkers for tobacco exposure.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of oral human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) infection. The researchers discovered that people who recently used or were exposed to tobacco had a higher likelihood of having oral HPV16 DNA, independent of their sexual behavior.
A new study by British American Tobacco found that slim cigarette smokers experience lower exposure to toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and acetaldehyde. The researchers attribute this reduction to the smaller size of slim cigarettes, making it harder for smokers to draw on.
Research suggests that sponsorship of nutritional supplements and sports drinks at sporting events may be misleading the public about their health benefits. The lack of strong scientific evidence for these products' effectiveness raises concerns about their value and cost.
A recent study in Australia found no evidence to support industry claims that plain cigarette packs would harm small retailers or increase the trade in illicit tobacco. The research surveyed over 2000 smokers and found no change in their purchasing habits between 2011 and 2013.
A study published in JAMA found that a program providing extended support to hospitalized smokers increased the six-month success rate of quitting by over 70%. The program used interactive voice response technology and stop-smoking medication to provide sustained care after discharge.
A postdischarge intervention that included automated telephone calls and free medication resulted in higher sustained smoking cessation rates at six months than standard advice. The study found that more participants achieved biochemically confirmed past 7-day tobacco abstinence and reported continuous abstinence for 6 months.
A study found that the EU's policy on tobacco control shifted in favor of the industry following massive lobbying. The research used automated content analysis to track changes in language used by health groups and industry stakeholders, revealing a significant shift towards industry interests.
US study finds that prison smoking bans are associated with a substantial fall in deaths from smoking-related causes, such as heart disease and cancer. The study found that prisons with long-term bans saw a 9-11% reduction in smoking-related deaths, with longer-lasting bans leading to greater reductions.
A new study reveals that nicotine and its metabolite cotinine can inhibit DNA damage caused by NNK, a carcinogen present in tobacco smoke. The study suggests that these compounds may protect against one form of DNA damage, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
A new study estimates the potential cancer risk by age group for non-dietary ingestion and dermal exposure to third hand tobacco smoke. The results indicate potentially severe long-term consequences, particularly to children, with cancer risks exceeding EPA recommendations in three-quarters of smokers' homes.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that cigarette smokers are more likely to commit suicide than non-smokers. Implementing higher taxes on cigarettes and stricter smoking policies led to a 15% decline in suicide rates relative to the national average.
A survey of thousands of adult smokers in four countries found that larger, more graphic warning labels on cigarette packs increase the likelihood of quitting. Smokers who notice the warnings regularly are more likely to attempt to quit, even when trying to avoid seeing them.