Articles tagged with Tobacco
Researchers found that implementing a tobacco-free policy at an Ohio women's substance abuse treatment center led to a 28 percentage point decrease in program completion rates. The study suggests that smoking bans may pose challenges for treatment centers, but they are not a reason to abandon tobacco-free policies entirely.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that many parents with smoking habits in cars have a hard time enforcing no-smoking rules. The result is that children are exposed to toxic chemicals, which may cause severe asthma attacks and respiratory infections.
Global Bridges, a healthcare alliance for tobacco dependence treatment, is launching training in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The first training will engage 15 health care professionals from Jordan and focus on culturally appropriate tobacco dependence treatment.
A healthcare alliance has launched a training program in Mexico to address the significant rates of tobacco usage in Latin America. The program aims to enhance access to proven treatment methods and promote effective tobacco control policies across the region.
A research study by the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid found that women are more likely to self-medicate than men in Spain. The study, published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, revealed that 20.17% of Spaniards use medication without a medical prescription, with women accounting for 16.93% of those cases.
A growing proportion of young people are using hookah water pipes despite misconceptions about its safety. Family habits, such as father or sibling smoking, significantly increase the likelihood of hookah use.
A University of Missouri study found that teaching refusal skills can help minority youths resist tobacco use, particularly those from American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. These skills are crucial in countering the high rates of smoking among AI/AN youths, who have a greater lifetime smoking rate than other racial groups.
The Lancet NCD Action Group and the NCD Alliance recommend five priority interventions: reducing tobacco use, lowering salt intake, improving diets, reducing hazardous alcohol intake, and increasing access to essential drugs. These actions aim to reduce NCD death rates by 2% per year, avoiding an estimated 36 million deaths over 10 years.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that 40.3% of college students reported smoking tobacco from a hookah, while 17.4% were current users. Hookah smokers mistakenly believed it to be safer than cigarette smoking, with some even using hookahs as their first tobacco product.
A new study reveals a previously unrecognized link between tobacco smoking and altered DNA methylation of the coagulation factor II receptor-like 3 (F2RL3) gene, possibly identifying an early stage of smoking-associated cardiovascular pathology.
The study found that dissolvable tobacco products contain mainly nicotine, which is linked to oral cancers and gum disease. The products also include flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders that can increase the risk of tooth decay and liver damage.
The prevalence of heavy smokers in the US decreased significantly between 1965 and 2007, with California showing a greater decline. The study found that moderate- and high-intensity smoking rates declined more rapidly in California compared to the rest of the US.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that residential treatment for tobacco dependence significantly increases the chances of long-term abstinence. Compared to standard outpatient treatment, residential patients showed a higher success rate, with 52% still not smoking after six months.
Researchers found that tobacco outlets in Buffalo and Niagara Falls are more concentrated around elementary and secondary schools, particularly in lower-income areas. This concentration may exacerbate socioeconomic disparities in tobacco use.
The tobacco industry is expanding its sales in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with Imperial Tobacco and Phillip Morris reporting increases in cigarette sales. The Lancet Editorial criticizes the companies' 'selling, addicting, and killing' business model, describing it as 'morally repugnant'.
A new study examines the effect of FDA regulations restricting outdoor tobacco advertising near schools and playgrounds. The researchers found that even smaller buffer zones would still affect a significant number of retailers, with up to 1.5 million pieces of outdoor tobacco advertising potentially removed across the country if a 1,00...
Researchers found a significant reduction in middle ear infection cases among children aged 6 and younger, associated with increased smoke-free households. The study suggests that avoiding secondhand smoking at home can protect children from the most common cause of visits to physicians and hospitals.
Researchers at Scripps Research and the University of Pennsylvania have received an $8.2 million grant to develop novel compounds that could become drug candidates for treating tobacco addiction. The project focuses on enhancing nicotinic receptors in the brain to reduce nicotine's positive impact on reward centers.
A study by the Smoking Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology confirms that Europe's anti-tobacco laws have a direct effect on reducing tobacco consumption and passive smoke exposure. The European Union countries with stricter controls on smoking show lower consumption rates, particularly in the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Sweden.
A new report concludes that electronic cigarettes are much safer than real cigarettes, with carcinogen levels up to 1,000 times lower. The study found e-cigarettes to be comparable in toxicity to conventional nicotine replacement products, offering a potential alternative to tobacco cigarettes.
Children living in apartments are at higher risk of tobacco smoke exposure due to shared ventilation systems or wall contamination. The study found that over 84% of children in multi-unit housing had been exposed to tobacco smoke, compared to 70% in detached houses.
Alexander V. Prokhorov, a behavioral scientist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has been recognized for his innovative tobacco research and education programs targeting high-risk teens and young adults. His work includes developing video games and websites to teach healthy lifestyles and prevent tobacco use.
A study found that integrating smoking cessation treatment with mental health care for PTSD resulted in higher rates of prolonged smoking abstinence among military veterans. The treatment, known as integrated care (IC), was more effective than referral to specialized cessation treatment.
A French study found that men's smoking rates have decreased by 15% since the mid-1980s, resulting in a predicted decline of 10-15% in coronary heart disease deaths. In contrast, women's smoking rates have increased, leading to a predicted rise of up to 4.9% in heart disease mortality rates.
A study by Thomas Land and colleagues found that use of tobacco cessation medication led to reduced hospital admissions for heart attacks and coronary atherosclerosis within two years. Smoking prevalence among subscribers declined by approximately 10% after the adoption of comprehensive coverage of tobacco cessation medications.
Research concludes that regulatory authorities should consider removing electronic nicotine delivery systems from the market due to design feature, labelling, disposal, and safety issues. Cartridge labelling is found to be poor, with incorrect nicotine levels and inadequate instructions.
A recent UC Riverside study evaluated five e-cigarette brands, revealing design flaws, inadequate labeling, and quality control concerns. The researchers urge regulators to remove e-cigarettes from the market until their safety is adequately evaluated.
A new study finds that smoking is associated with reduced cortical thickness in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex, negatively correlating with cigarette consumption. Heavier smoking was linked to more pronounced thinning of cortical tissue, potentially increasing the risk for addictions and cognitive decline.
A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research suggests that quitting smoking is associated with improved mental health, particularly reduced symptoms of depression. Researchers found that individuals who successfully quit smoking reported lower levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who did not quit or relapsed.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that removing tobacco displays in shops can change young people's attitudes towards smoking. The number of teenagers who recalled tobacco displays dropped from 81% to 22%, and fewer believed smoking was widespread among their peers.
Non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke are at risk of hearing loss, with men and older individuals more likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss. Even low levels of passive smoking can continue the progression of hearing loss in former smokers.
Chronic disease death rates are increasing in developing countries, with 23 million deaths annually. A new framework proposes national surveillance strategies to monitor trends and improve actions on chronic diseases.
Health Canada's decision to cancel plans for new cigarette warning labels may result in increased smoking rates and a surge in smoking-related illnesses and deaths. Warning labels are an effective communication strategy that deter smokers and non-smokers alike, with international guidelines recommending large pictorial warnings.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has received a $2.4 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to expand its community outreach programs and grow its clinical research capabilities. This funding will support the extension of cancer prevention and control initiatives into tobacco counties in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
Researchers found that tobacco bio-oil, produced through pyrolysis, is effective against various insect pests and microorganisms. The oil killed all tested Colorado potato beetles and blocked growth of bacteria and fungi.
A University of Missouri researcher found that school attendance and refusal skills are key factors in combating smoking among youth, particularly Asian Americans. The study indicates a 300% increase in smoking among Asian Americans ages 12-17 compared to those age 18 years and older.
A new study from CAMH found that contraband cigarettes account for 43% of all cigarettes consumed by Ontario high school daily smokers in grades 9 to 12. Youth are more likely to afford and access these lower-priced, unregulated products due to their affordability and lack of restrictions on purchase.
Researchers estimate the true cost of smoking to be significantly higher than the retail price, with males facing a premium of €32 compared to the newsstand price. The study suggests that taxes and restrictions can strengthen smokers' self-control mechanisms and generate social benefits.
The Lancet Review found mass media campaigns to be effective in reducing smoking prevalence and increasing seat-belt use. Campaigns also improved healthy food selection, boosted low-fat milk consumption, and increased physical activity. However, some campaigns backfired, such as those targeting alcohol and illicit drugs.
Reducing nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels could dramatically reduce smoking-related deaths, according to six leading experts. The strategy has the potential to prevent adolescent experimentation with cigarettes and reduce dependence on tobacco among addicted smokers.
A 40-year-long tobacco control program in California has led to significant reductions in smoking rates, resulting in lower lung cancer mortality. The study credits the state's aggressive tax on cigarettes and comprehensive tobacco control efforts.
Uruguay's move to increase tobacco pack health warnings and plain packaging sparks a legal battle with Philip Morris, highlighting the clash between national health control and trade agreements. The case has significant implications for global health governance, international law, and the regulation of tobacco packaging.
Scientists discovered that plants release (E)-2-hexenal, a compound produced after oral secretions of Manduca sexta larvae are applied to wounded leaves. This attracts carnivores like Geocoris, which feed on the caterpillars and their own natural enemies.
Researchers measured tobacco smoke metabolites in meconium samples from 337 babies and found a strong correlation with reported smoke exposure. The study suggests that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is linked to adverse infant health outcomes, highlighting the importance of tracking environmental exposures during pregnancy.
Researchers analyzed 163 YouTube videos featuring top tobacco brands and found that nearly three-quarters of the content was pro-tobacco. The most popular brand, Marlboro, had over 104,000 views on its most viewed video.
A new test allows for more accurate estimation of smokers' mouth-level exposure to cigarette smoke, which may aid in developing custom-tailored quitting strategies. The method uses a surrogate compound found in tobacco filters to gauge exposure to the thousands of chemicals present in cigarette smoke.
A study published in Pediatrics shows that a brief two-week course teaching children to be skeptical of media messages can help prevent substance use. The 'Media Detective' program boosted the critical thinking skills of third through fifth graders and reduced their intentions to use alcohol and tobacco.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers reveals that ozone can react with nicotine in secondhand smoke to form ultrafine particles, a potential threat to asthma sufferers. These particles become major components of thirdhand smoke and can carry and deposit harmful organic chemicals deep into the lower respiratory tract.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study finds that teens' exposure to cigarette advertising at retail outlets substantially increases the odds they will start smoking. Regular visits to stores with high cigarette ads were associated with a higher likelihood of smoking initiation.
Researchers are harnessing local community champions to challenge smoking norms and encourage quitting in Aspley ward, where 53% of residents smoke. The two-year project will profile positive messages to smokers and enlist the help of community champions to raise awareness.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial calls for IDRC Chair Barbara McDougall's resignation due to her ties to the tobacco industry. This is seen as a conflict of interest, undermining the institution's credibility in international development.
Research shows that public housing residents are exposed to toxins from tobacco smoke, even if they don't smoke themselves. The authors argue that a ban on smoking in public housing units is necessary to protect the health of all residents, particularly children, who are more vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke.
Smokeless tobacco affects enzyme function and genetic material in liver, kidney, and lungs, altering hormone production and potentially toxic substance breakdown. The study's findings highlight the need for greater awareness of smokeless tobacco's risks, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations.
Two new UCSF studies detail the wide reach of the tobacco industry and its influence on young people, military veterans, and national healthcare reform. The analyses reveal industry 'youth smoking prevention' tactics and efforts to defeat healthcare reform under President Clinton.
Researchers have found a compound in smokers' breath that can detect recent tobacco consumption with high accuracy. The compound, 2,5-dimethylfuran, is only present in the breath of smokers within the last three days.
A team of researchers discovered that tobacco-free cigarettes can cause more DNA damage than tobacco products, making them potentially carcinogenic. The study found double-strand DNA breaks in human lung cells exposed to smoke from 'safe' cigarettes.
Researchers from CAS develop novel tea filter to treat cigarette addiction, identifying theanine as key ingredient inhibiting nicotine addiction. The treatment shows promise in reducing smoking consumption and symptoms, with no apparent side effects.
New research reveals low-level prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with deficits in motor and cognitive development for African American children. The study highlights a racial disparity in developmental problems, emphasizing the need for expectant mothers to be particularly careful during pregnancy.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescent smokers who do not smoke daily still recognize early symptoms of nicotine dependence, such as irritability and desire to smoke. The study, which surveyed over 370 adolescent smokers, shows a correlation between nondaily tobacco use and increased smoking frequency.
A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that children living in apartments are still exposed to tobacco smoke, even when they don't live with smokers. This is due to seepage through walls and shared ventilation, which can carry nicotine from neighboring units.