Author: moonswamp

A new U.S. study has found that some popular disposable e-cigarettes can release more toxic metals in a single day's use than nearly 19 packs of traditional cigarettes, raising fresh concerns about the safety of these devices. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, discovered that after simulating 500 puffs, significant levels of lead, nickel, and antimony leached into the e-liquid and could be inhaled by users. The study, published in the journal ACS Central Science, tested seven devices from three widely used disposable vape brands popular in the United States. The findings indicated that vapors from three devices had nickel…

Spain's Ministry of Health is advancing a sweeping new anti-tobacco law that will ban smoking and vaping in numerous outdoor public spaces. Health Minister Mónica García confirmed the reform will treat vapes, heated tobacco, and traditional cigarettes equally, prohibiting their use in areas like bar and restaurant terraces, work vehicles, university campuses, public pools, and party venues. García stated there is "no such thing as healthy tobacco" and criticized the vape industry for "luring in new consumers" with flavors and marketing. The new law aims to close legal loopholes and protect the public from all forms of smoke and aerosol.…

A bill proposing a complete ban on the wholesale and retail sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes has been introduced for consideration in Russia's State Duma. The initiative, led by deputies Sergey Mironov and Yana Lantratova, includes significant administrative fines for any violations. The draft law outlines penalties for illegal sales ranging from 20,000-50,000 rubles for individuals to as much as 1 million rubles for legal entities. Fines for selling to minors would be substantially higher, potentially reaching up to 2 million rubles for companies. Mironov stated that a full ban is necessary because many sellers ignore existing 2023 restrictions…

Disposable e-cigarettes, with their vibrant colors and an ever-expanding menu of enticing flavors, have become a common sight, particularly among younger demographics. While often marketed with an air of playful appeal, a recent study from researchers at Yale University and Duke University School of Medicine has cast a new light on what might be lurking within these popular devices. The study, published and drawing attention in mid-2025, found that a significant majority of popular disposable e-cigarettes sold in the US contain neotame, an artificial sweetener far more potent than sugar or even aspartame. This discovery raises fresh questions about the…

The increasing popularity of sweet-flavored disposable vapes, marketed with eye-catching colors and scents like mango and bubblegum, is sparking serious concerns about a growing nicotine addiction crisis among teenagers in Pakistan. Originally intended as smoking alternatives for adults, these devices have rapidly become a youth-driven trend, often viewed more as fashion accessories than cessation tools. Reports indicate students as young as 14 are regularly using vapes, frequently obtaining them from small shops or online sellers where age verification is often absent or lax. Despite their playful appearance, many of these e-cigarettes contain high nicotine levels and other chemicals that pose…

An excessive focus on combating vaping may be inadvertently leading to an increase in traditional cigarette smoking and, consequently, a rise in cancer rates, a prominent Russian oncologist has warned. Speaking at a State Duma expert council meeting on competition in nicotine-containing product markets, Dr. David Zaridze, a Doctor of Medical Sciences and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, highlighted a concerning trend: for the first time in many years, Russia has recorded an increase in lung cancer among women. Dr. Zaridze directly linked this rise to an increase in smoking prevalence among females. Data from VTsIOM…

A federal district court has temporarily blocked key provisions of Iowa's new vape law, House File 2677 (HF 2677), which aimed to create a directory of permissible vapor products for sale in the state. On May 2, 2025, the court granted a preliminary injunction sought by plaintiffs including Iowans for Alternatives to Smoking & Tobacco, Inc., and Global Source Distribution, LLC, preventing the Iowa Department of Revenue from implementing and enforcing the law's vapor product directory. HF 2677, enacted in 2024, mandated that vapor products sold in Iowa must either have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marketing authorization or…

After a three-year effort led by state Rep. Barbara Drummond, Alabama lawmakers have passed HB8, a bill poised to become the state's first significant regulation of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. The bill now sits on Governor Kay Ivey’s desk, facing a final wave of scrutiny and intense lobbying, particularly from the convenience store industry. Flavor Restrictions Spark Controversy and Lobbying A central point of contention is a late amendment by Sen. Bobby Singleton. Approved by a narrow 18-16 vote, it would restrict convenience stores to selling only 34 FDA-approved tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products. All other flavors would be limited…

The Washington State House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business has approved House Bill 1203, which aims to ban flavored vapor and tobacco products in the state. Supporters argue that selling vapor products in fruit and candy flavors encourages children to become addicted to nicotine, which the CDC warns can damage their developing brains. While Washington state already prohibits the sale of all vapor products to individuals under 21, Chris Reykdal, the state's superintendent of public instruction, told lawmakers last month that kids are still accessing these products. HB 1203, sponsored by State Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way), would not…

Vietnam is taking decisive action to protect public health by banning vaping (smoking electronic cigarettes) and heated tobacco products, which has been welcomed by global health leaders. The National Assembly of Vietnam has approved a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, including production, sale, import, storage, transport, and use, starting in 2025. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Vietnam's actions, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "Congratulations, Vietnam, for this courageous decision to protect your citizens, especially the young, from the harms of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products." The ban comes amid growing global concern about the popularity of e-cigarettes…