Countries like the UK, France, and Australia are introducing some of the toughest restrictions ever on smoking and vaping, aiming to protect younger generations and reduce the massive global health and economic toll of tobacco use. The UK’s ambitious plan to create a “smoke-free generation” by 2040 could prevent tens of thousands of deaths and save billions in healthcare costs.
While vaping was once marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, experts caution that the evidence is far from conclusive. “The results are not super clear, but certainly hint towards vaping causing damage to the lungs and other organs,” says Carolyn Baglole, who was interviewed for this news article. She also highlights concerns about chemicals and heavy metals in vape aerosols, which may raise risks for heart and respiratory disease.
The message from scientists is clear: bold restrictions on smoking and vaping could be among the most impactful public health measures of our time — but more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects.
Read More
Smoking bans are coming: what does the evidence say? Countries are cracking down on tobacco use and vaping — the laws could save thousands of lives and billions of dollars, say scientists. Nature News. by Carissa Wong. April 17, 2024.