Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
Researchers at University of California, Merced are using wastewater-based epidemiology to track nicotine use in San Joaquin Valley communities. The project aims to determine trends and levels of nicotine use through chemicals in wastewater, providing valuable insights for public health agencies and tobacco-control researchers.
A new study found that children who engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise (MVPA) from age 11 are less likely to initiate tobacco smoking. By age 24, the risk of smoking was reduced by 60% compared to non-exercising peers. Continuous exposure to MVPA throughout childhood and young adulthood also showed a modest preventive effect.
A recent study published in CANCER found that pain is associated with a greater likelihood of tobacco and cannabis use among cancer survivors. Pain also exacerbates treatment-related side effects and worsens health outcomes.
The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.
The latest issues of APA journals bring together research on addictions, including substances and behaviors. The February issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry highlights research on addictions, while Psychiatric Services features articles on various mental health topics.
Researchers found that nearly half of purchase attempts by people under 21 at tobacco retailers in New Jersey resulted in a sale, highlighting challenges in enforcing age verification laws. Electronic ID scanning was implemented in 22.3% of attempts, resulting in a lower rate of underage sales.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of underage purchase attempts at tobacco retailers in New Jersey resulted in a sale. The researchers identified significant gaps in the implementation of federal legislation raising the minimum age for purchasing commercial tobacco products to 21.
A new study finds that young people in England broadly welcome the smokefree generation policy, seeing it as a chance to free their generation from harmful addiction. The study, led by the University of Nottingham, involved focus groups with participants aged between 12 and 21, who expressed support for the policy's implementation.
Researchers discover how cigarette smoke alters the function of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a key type of immune cell in the lungs. This impairment increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and worsens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A new analysis suggests that implementing a lifetime ban on tobacco products for individuals born after 2009 would result in vast health benefits and healthcare cost savings. The study estimates $2.3 billion less in healthcare costs and 476,814 more quality-adjusted life years for Canadians over a 50-year timespan.
A partnership between Kick It California and local 211 information and referral agencies resulted in over 55,000 new referrals for tobacco cessation services among low-income tobacco users. The study found that 211 participants were more likely to be female, LGBTQ, Black or multiracial, younger, less educated, and Medicaid-insured.
Researchers discovered how cigarette smoke alters the function of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in the lungs, making smokers more susceptible to respiratory infections and worsening COPD. Cigarette smoke components bind to protein MR1, blocking activation of MAIT cells.
A new study found that smoking has a negative effect on earnings among younger workers, especially among the less educated. The researchers discovered that reducing smoking by five pack-years could lead to a 9% increase in earnings.
A pooled data analysis reveals that comprehensive tobacco product advertising, promotional, and sponsorship bans are associated with a 20% lower prevalence of smoking and a 37% lower risk of smoking uptake. The findings suggest that these bans influence behavior, lending weight to calls for their wider implementation.
Integrated care, combining medication and comprehensive counseling with tobacco treatment specialists, significantly improves quitting chances among smokers undergoing lung cancer screening. This randomized clinical trial found nearly two-fold improvement in quitting rates compared to other cessation methods.
A new study found that while lung cancer deaths decreased globally from 1990 to 2019, mortality linked to tobacco use and air pollution increased. Tobacco remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 66% of TBL cancer deaths in 2019, while particulate matter pollution is a growing concern.
A recent study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation found that childhood smoking before age 15 significantly increases a person's risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life. The research examined a nationally representative sample of adults and accounted for secondhand smoke exposure, highl...
A new study finds that Tobacco 21 policies have a significantly larger impact than previously estimated, preventing up to 526,000 premature deaths and gaining 13.3 million life-years by 2100.
Early adoption of Tobacco 21 policies maximizes potential mortality reductions, but enforcement varies widely across states. The federal law's enforcement is crucial in states without state-level T21 policies.
A study by Curtin University found that when cigarette prices increased, cannabis use among older Australians (aged over 50) rose, with 68,000 people expected to start using cannabis. Researchers used data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey and ran simulations to predict the impact of price increases.
A study published in JACC found that children who started tobacco smoking at age 10 were significantly more likely to experience premature cardiac injury and increase their risk of cardiovascular mortality. Researchers also discovered that continued smoking from childhood can cause lasting damage to heart muscle and function.
A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that persistent childhood tobacco smoking significantly increased the risk of premature heart damage by age 24. The study followed 1,931 children from age 10 to 24 and found that active smoking was associated with a 52% increased risk of heart damage.
A study of 2,788 participants with impulse control disorder found that people with ICD are more likely to exhibit both overt and covert suicidal behavior. The study identified shared and specific risk factors for each type of behavior, including depressive symptoms and low self-direction.
The study found that smokers with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or precursor conditions had elevated levels of genetic mutations linked to the disease. Heavier smokers accumulated more mutations, and long-term smokers were more likely to show disease progression.
Research reveals that people who use both vapes and cigarettes are less likely to quit smoking compared to those who only smoke or vape. Dual users tend to revert to only smoking cigarettes over time. The study suggests that taking up vaping while continuing to smoke will not help people stop smoking.
A major European survey found that seven out of ten homes are smoke-free, with countries like England and Ireland scoring high. In contrast, Greece and Romania have more than half of their homes allowing smoking. The researchers highlight the need for stronger tobacco control measures to protect children and adults from second-hand smoke.
A new study reveals that researchers in tobacco, ultra-processed food, and alcohol sectors are frequently targeted with intimidation tactics. Public discreditation is the most common method used by corporations or their proxies to undermine and discredit advocates and researchers who provide evidence to policymakers.
Researchers identified acute effects of cigarette and e-cigarette smoking on vascular function, including decreased blood flow velocity and venous oxygen saturation. The study found that vaping with and without nicotine led to significant changes in vascular function, highlighting the potential harm of vaping even without nicotine.
A new study found that approximately 2.2 million people who have stopped smoking for more than a year in England currently vape, with the majority using e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid. The prevalence of vaping among ex-smokers has increased sharply since 2021, particularly among younger age groups and heavier drinkers.
Chronic cigarette exposure in mice leads to altered gut and oropharyngeal microbiota, aggravating flu severity. The study suggests that the smoker's microbiota plays a significant role in respiratory disease and viral infection.
The American Heart Association's 'What Would They Say?' video won the Silver Award in the Education, Art & Culture Campaign - Non-Profit Community Engagement category at the 4th Annual Anthem Awards. The video urges federal action against menthol tobacco products and has resonated deeply with communities targeted by the tobacco industry.
A new study found that people who switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping exclusively experience improved respiratory health, including reduced wheezing and coughing. In contrast, those who continue to smoke while vaping or transition to both smoking and vaping do not see similar improvements.
A recent study found that online e-cigarette retailers are not consistently adhering to laws aimed at preventing the sale of vaping products to minors. The researchers analyzed 16 attempted purchases and found that 73% were processed and 67% were delivered, with many violating age verification and shipping regulations.
A recent study by the University of Sharjah has found that midwakh pipe smoking poses significant health risks in the UAE, particularly among young people. The research showed that midwakh users often develop early signs of nicotine dependence and report various clinical issues, including elevated carbon monoxide and cotinine levels.
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that restricting menthol cigarettes led to an increase in the purchase of nicotine replacement options. This shift is likely due to the fact that menthol flavors are perceived as more appealing, making alternative products a practical substitute.
A low-dose CT scan can pick up on early-stage lung cancers, which can often be completely removed with surgery. However, less than a fifth of those eligible for the test are getting it, highlighting awareness and communication gaps.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that patients who quit smoking within six months of their cancer diagnosis saw improved longevity. Smoking cessation led to a 22%-26% reduction in cancer-related mortality and increased survival time from 2.1 years for smokers to 3.9 years for abstainers.
A new study finds that quitting smoking within six months of a cancer diagnosis significantly improves survival, with the largest benefit among patients who quit soonest. This evidence-based approach highlights the urgent need for cancer centers to offer smoking cessation programs to all patients.
Research in Physics of Fluids reveals that smokers seated farther from ventilation inlets experience lower levels of pollution. Body heat causes more absorption of cigarette pollution, suggesting empty spaces are the best to choose.
A new grant will investigate the role of social media in teen e-cigarette and cigarette use. Researchers will analyze social influences, particularly through online networks, to understand how teens are influenced to smoke and use e-cigarettes. The study aims to develop effective interventions to reduce nicotine product use among teens.
A national report reveals nearly 18% of Canadian homes have radon levels above 200 Bq/m³, increasing lung cancer risk. Canadians are among the most highly exposed to radon, highlighting the need for urgent action to address this public health concern.
UK health leaders are urging the chancellor to invest in creating a smoke-free UK, citing the significant economic burden of smoking (£93 billion annually) and the potential for increased funding through a 'polluter pays' levy on tobacco manufacturers. Investing in tobacco control can also improve public finances by saving £2.37 for ev...
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health recommends focusing on 15 priority health conditions to achieve a 50% reduction in premature deaths. Raising taxes on tobacco is key, with estimates suggesting it could reduce mortality rates by more than any other single policy.
A recent study found that smokers report higher rates of chronic pain, poor mental health, and severe work limitations due to pain. Quitting smoking can reduce prescription opioid use and associated health problems, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment programs.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that quitting smoking even at 75 can significantly increase life expectancy. The research showed that older individuals who quit smoking can avoid an average loss of 4-9 years of life, with some regaining up to 8 years or more.
A comprehensive review of population-level tobacco control strategies found tax increases, smoke-free legislation, and anti-smoking campaigns to be effective in reducing smoking. These interventions also increased quit rates and led to higher smoking cessation rates.
A modelling study suggests that reducing tobacco smoking globally to 5% by 2050 could increase life expectancy and prevent millions of premature deaths. Accelerating actions to eliminate tobacco smoking could result in up to 1.5 additional years of life expectancy among males and 0.4 years among females.
A new study suggests that banning the purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products among people born between 2006 and 2010 could prevent an estimated 1.2 million lung cancer deaths in 185 countries by 2095. This could reduce the impact of smoking on lung cancer deaths in future generations.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, with 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2020. China had the highest number of new cases, and incidence and mortality rates have been steadily rising from 1990 to 2019.
Researchers compared epigenetic changes across the genome in young adults who vaped, smoked or did not use nicotine products, finding a tumor-suppressor gene among the key findings. The study found substantial overlap in DNA methylation patterns between people who vaped versus those who smoked.
A University of Oklahoma researcher found that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and appealing than non-menthol cigarettes, especially among racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ population. Participants were willing to work harder for puffs of menthol cigarettes, indicating a heightened risk of nicotine dependence.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that the majority of social media posts from e-cigarette brands left out health warnings, despite a federal requirement to include them. The study used AI to analyze over 2,000 Instagram posts and discovered that only 13% complied with FDA health warning requirements.
A cross-sectional study found that 87% of Instagram posts from synthetic nicotine brand accounts failed to comply with FDA health warning requirements. This non-compliance may contribute to increased youth engagement with tobacco marketing.
Households with teenage children where one or more members smoked or vaped were more likely to relax their vaping ban. Parents who talked about e-cigarettes and vaping with their teens were less likely to drop the ban.
A recent study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found that quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of atrial fibrillation, with former smokers having around 13% lower risk and current quitters having an 18% lower risk. The benefits of quitting are seen shortly after stopping smoking.
A recent study published in the Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine investigated nicotine dependence among smokers in China. The research found that 41.0% of smokers aged 40 and above had medium-to-high nicotine dependence, with men more affected than women.
Research found that smoking before 18 significantly increases the risk of developing respiratory symptoms like wheezing and phlegm by age 28. Smoking more cigarettes overall raises the risk even further. The study highlights the importance of preventing young people from starting to smoke.
A new study finds that making cytisine available immediately could lead to approximately 71,000 more people quitting smoking over one year and maintaining long-term abstinence. This would produce over 500,000 additional life-years. A delay in approval by the FDA may result in reduced population-level gains of up to 10,000 life-years.
A major review by the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group identifies three effective ways to stop smoking: counseling, bupropion, and nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that combining these strategies with behavioral support yields the best results for quitting smoking.
A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found associations between depression and unhealthy commodities such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media, ultra-processed foods, and air pollution. The review also highlighted links between these commodities and suicide, self-harm, and anxiety.