Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
A UCLA School of Nursing study found that 57% of young adults believe hookah smoking is not harmful to their health. Despite this, hookahs contain toxic chemicals and nicotine, posing serious health risks. The study aims to increase public knowledge on the dangers of hookah smoking among young adults.
A study published in JAMA found that combining varenicline with nicotine replacement therapy significantly improved smoking cessation rates at 6 months compared to varenicline alone. The combination treatment resulted in higher continuous abstinence and point prevalence abstinence rates, but also more side effects.
According to a recent study by NYU researchers, nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors use hookah. Hookah use is more common among students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and those living in cities. Researchers caution that the increasing popularity of hookah pens may normalize their use, leading to potential health consequences.
Researchers found that quitting snus, a Swedish smokeless powder tobacco, reduced the mortality risk by nearly half compared to those who continued using it. After a heart attack, cessation of snus use was associated with similar health benefits as smoking cessation.
A new study finds that menthol cigarette users smoke an average of 43 cigarettes per week, nearly double the amount smoked by non-menthols. The study also reveals that menthol smokers are almost three times more likely to intend to continue smoking in the next year.
A study found that adults are heavily exposed to e-cigarette marketing through various media channels, including TV and online platforms. E-cigarette users were more likely than non-users to search for information on Facebook and share it with others.
Researchers analyzed over 70,000 tweets about e-cigarettes and found nearly 90% were commercial ads promoting e-cig products. The study highlights the risks of social media platforms like Twitter in advertising e-cigarettes to youth, which may lead to increased use and smoking cessation.
A recent survey found that 10 new e-cigarette brands enter the market every month, offering over 7,700 flavors. The study also highlighted a shift in marketing strategies, with newer brands focusing on consumer choice rather than health benefits.
A new study from Harvard School of Public Health found that nearly 30 million Europeans have tried e-cigarettes, with most being young people or smokers trying to quit. The study suggests a need for more research on the health impact and potential benefits of e-cigarette use.
A study of e-cigarette use in Europe found that over 29 million adults have tried the products, with current smokers and would-be quitters more likely to use them. The analysis highlights the need for evaluating the long-term health impact of e-cigarettes and their role in smoking cessation.
A recent study reveals the e-cigarette market has seen a significant surge in new brands and flavors, with nearly all offering tobacco and menthol options. Newer brands focus on consumer choice, while older ones emphasize 'cigalike' qualities and health benefits.
Experts warn that UK government's delay in publishing plain tobacco packaging draft regulations will exacerbate public health crisis. The proposed measures aim to reduce smoking rates and protect children from tobacco marketing.
Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed air quality in seven Baltimore waterpipe bars and found elevated levels of carbon monoxide and air nicotine. The study's results suggest that waterpipe smoking creates higher indoor air pollution than cigarette smoking, posing increased health risks to patron...
A study found that observing e-cigarette use increases young adult smokers' desire to smoke both combustible and e-cigarettes. The study suggests a need for policy attention on the secondary effects of e-cigarette use on observers.
A study found that tobacco exposure and male sex are significant risk factors for developing ocular sarcoidosis, which affects 25-50% of patients with the disease. The risk is greater than 5-fold for those exposed to tobacco and more than 7-fold for males.
A new study found that college students are more likely to initiate hookah tobacco smoking if they have a 'relaxing, fun' image of the behavior. Educational campaigns may be more successful by countering positive perceptions and making hookah use less socially acceptable.
The study found lung cancer rates declining in 47 of 52 populations among young women (30-49 years), while increasing in most countries among older women (50-74 years). Tobacco control efforts and increased awareness have contributed to the decline, but more needs to be done to curtail future deaths.
A national survey found that 77% of adults are aware of e-cigarettes, up from 16% five years ago. However, the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes decreased slightly, from 84 to 65 percent. The study also found no correlation between awareness and intention to quit smoking.
A new study found that while e-cigarette awareness has increased significantly among smokers, their perceived safety is decreasing. The researchers discovered no association between e-cigarette awareness and smoking cessation attempts, suggesting that adult smokers have not yet accepted e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid.
Research reveals prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with reduced brain activity and increased ADHD symptoms in young adults. The study found that individuals exposed to tobacco smoke in utero showed weaker response inhibition, a key symptom of ADHD.
A comprehensive analysis of e-cigarette research reveals industry health claims are unsupported, and exposure is associated with indoor air pollution. E-cigarettes should be regulated to protect public health.
Cigarette butts are a significant source of pollution worldwide, containing toxins and carcinogens found in cigarettes. A proposed policy includes banning filtered cigarettes, implementing a deposit-return scheme for used butts, and holding manufacturers responsible for clean-ups.
New research outlines how regulations on alcohol and tobacco may inform policies on legalizing marijuana. The study aims to help policymakers understand the decisions they face while taking a public health approach.
A new study found that teenage girls who identify as feminine are more likely to use tanning beds, while boys who identify as masculine are more likely to chew tobacco. These behaviors increase the risk of cancer and can be attributed to socially constructed ideas of masculinity and femininity.
Researchers have genetically modified tobacco plants to increase starch and sugar production, enabling higher ethanol yields. The alternative approach could help replace declining traditional tobacco cultivation in the US and Europe.
A new WHO report shows that large, graphic health warnings on tobacco packets in China would significantly increase awareness about the harms of smoking, help reduce smoking rates, and ultimately save lives. The report recommends improving current text-only Chinese health warnings by adding images of tobacco-related diseases.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers found that young people are increasingly influenced by tobacco marketing, with exposure to coupons and websites associated with increased smoking rates. Black and Hispanic youth are disproportionately affected.
Research on prime-time US TV dramas between 1955 and 2010 found a decline in tobacco product depiction and smoking scenes, associated with reduced cigarette consumption. The study suggests that TV portrayal of tobacco use may hindered an even faster decline in smoking rates.
A new Global Cardiovascular Disease Atlas shows that wealthy countries are reducing their burden of heart disease and stroke, while developing countries are experiencing mixed performance. The atlas uses disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to measure the burden of CVD in each region and country.
Research by Dr Derrick Bennett shows that deaths from ischaemic stroke due to tobacco use in China, India, and Russia are higher than the world's other countries combined. Tobacco control policies can play a crucial role in preventing IS deaths.
Using mobile phones loaded with tobacco screening guidelines prompted nurses to screen patients for tobacco use in 84% of clinic visits and offer cessation counseling to 99% of smokers, according to a study from Columbia University School of Nursing.