Articles tagged with Tobacco
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.
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.
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 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.
Research published in Thorax found tobacco use and brand appearances in 15 commercially successful UK films between 1989 and 2008. Despite a 80% decline in five-minute tobacco intervals, imagery persisted across all age categories, including those deemed suitable for children and young teens.
Researchers at University of Nottingham launch £1.2 million project to improve 'quit smoking' services for smokers with severe mental illness. The program aims to address the historical culture of tolerance of smoking in mental health settings, where tobacco use is deeply embedded and often condoned by clinicians and staff.
The intersection of foreign policy and global health interests can prioritize certain health concerns over others. Global health diplomacy is being used as a means to further foreign policy objectives, such as improving security or projecting power.
A new tobacco product with a candy-like appearance and flavorings may increase appeal to young people, leading to nicotine addiction. Researchers found that ingestion of as little as 1mg of nicotine can cause severe symptoms in children, posing a significant public health risk.
Policies restricting smoking in public have been shown to decrease the number of people who experience heart attacks and improve overall health indicators. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of 50 studies that monitored the impact of legislative bans on secondhand smoke exposure.
A study published in Tobacco Induced Diseases found that work pressures can actually lower a smoker's nicotine dependence. Employees who experience stress at work are likely to smoke less than they otherwise would, suggesting that heavy workload may drive employees to smoke only in their spare time.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found no scientific evidence to support the claim that smoking in cars is 23 times more toxic than in other indoor environments. The 23 times estimate originated from a media report and has been widely cited, but its lack of basis in fact poses credibility issues.
Hong Kong's tobacco control efforts have successfully decreased smoking prevalence from 23% in 1982 to 12% in 2008. The region's strategies, including tax increases and anti-smuggling efforts, have contributed to the success.
Research finds that young Britons are exposed to more smoking in movies due to the UK's film classification system. The study, published in Tobacco Control, reveals that UK adolescents see nearly 28% more tobacco impressions in '15' or '12A' rated films compared to their US peers.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that frequent exposure to secondhand smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with increased blood vessel wall thickness and functioning problems. This increases the risk of future blood vessel hardening and other heart disease factors.
A genetically modified tobacco plant can produce antibodies to toxic MC-LR, rendering it harmless. This innovative technology could serve as a major tool in keeping water sources safe in developing nations.