Author: Rohan Sharma

Economists Dr. Arthur Laffer and Prof. Ashok Kaul have advised the Philippine government to implement risk-proportionate taxes on smoke-free nicotine products. This policy shift aims to curb smoking rates and secure state revenue while weakening the black market for smuggled cigarettes. Dr. Laffer, former economic advisor to US President Ronald Reagan, warned that excessive excise taxes in the Philippines have already caused tax revenues to fall while boosting the illicit cigarette trade. He noted that overtaxing tobacco products drives consumers to the black market, stripping the government of regulatory control and funding. According to Dr. Laffer, overtaxing a product causes…

Following a series of hazardous incidents, including an easyJet flight diversion and a dramatic overhead-bin fire on a China Eastern flight, global airlines are strictly enforcing cabin-baggage rules for portable electronic devices. Travel safety experts warn that improperly packed lithium-ion batteries can lead to passengers being denied boarding, bags being pulled from the cargo hold, or emergency landings. Understanding these rules is essential for avoiding travel disruptions and ensuring passenger safety. This guide outlines the exact packing protocols required by major carriers and details the risks associated with lithium batteries in flight. Why Lithium Batteries Pose a Severe Flight Risk…

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have confirmed that nicotine exposure among vaping adolescents surged in late 2024. This trend, published in JAMA Psychiatry, coincides with the market dominance of high-capacity disposable vapes and high-concentration nicotine salt pods, leaving youth exposed to unprecedented doses of the addictive chemical. The study, led by Dr. Sharon Levy, chief of addiction medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, analyzed the medical records of over 150 patients aged 13 to 19. Between 2023 and 2025, researchers reviewed more than 1,900 urine drug tests from adolescents treated for substance use disorders. The data revealed an abrupt increase in urine…

Many college students reach for nicotine vapes or pouches to pull all-nighters, chasing a temporary spike in alertness. However, public health data and neurological research indicate this habit undermines the exact cognitive functions required for academic success. For students under 25, relying on nicotine to study creates a cycle of dependency that actively impairs long-term focus. Why Nicotine Impairs Academic Performance According to CDC data, young adults aged 18 to 24 have the highest rate of e-cigarette use, with 11% vaping in 2021. A U.S. Surgeon General’s report warns that because brain development continues into the mid-20s, nicotine exposure during…

The Spanish executive is advancing a series of social, health, and economic reforms in one of its final Cabinet meetings before the summer holidays. This legislative push occurs amidst high parliamentary fragmentation, as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez attempts to reclaim control of the political agenda. The three-pronged legislative package targets public health, the cultural sector, and national financial planning, though several measures face a difficult path through parliament. The Anti-Tobacco Offensive: Vapes and Outdoor Bans The most far-reaching health measure is the final approval of the Tobacco Law draft, which represents the first major update to Spain's anti-smoking framework since…

Originating centuries ago, the hookah has evolved from a regional cultural tradition into a global social activity. Known variously as a water pipe, narghile, argileh, or shisha pipe depending on the region, this device offers a distinct smoking experience centered around flavored tobacco and water filtration. For those new to the practice, setting up and operating a hookah can seem complex due to the multiple components involved. This guide breaks down the mechanics, anatomy, and choices involved in starting your hookah journey. Is Hookah the Same as Shisha? The words "hookah" and "shisha" are often used interchangeably, particularly in Western…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that youth tobacco use in the United States has plummeted to historic lows. This milestone, driven by a sustained decline in e-cigarette demand, marks a major victory for federal public health initiatives and stricter regulatory enforcement across the country. According to the 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, approximately 2 million students—amounting to 7.2% of the middle and high school population—reported using a tobacco or nicotine product within the past 30 days. This represents a measurable drop from 8.1% in 2024. 2025 Youth Tobacco…

Researchers at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine have confirmed that vaping alters the expression of thousands of disease-related genes, with fruit flavors and advanced devices driving the majority of the biological damage. This dynamic, published in the journal Frontiers in Oncology, comes as regulators face mounting pressure to address the long-term health risks of flavored e-cigarettes. The study analyzed oral cell samples from 83 healthy young adults, comparing vapers, smokers, and non-users. Using advanced RNA sequencing, scientists discovered that regular vapers exhibited altered activity in 3,124 genes across their genome compared to those who do not smoke…

Senior officials within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) tobacco center were reportedly blindsided by a sudden policy shift that permits unauthorized electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches to enter the market prior to full regulatory vetting. The controversial guidelines, published just before former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s resignation, have sparked intense internal confusion and debate. Traditionally, the FDA mandates strict scientific verification of health benefits for adult smokers before any new nicotine product can be legally sold. However, this new six-page memo breaks with that longstanding protocol, allowing certain products to launch before regulators complete their evaluations. According to…

Researchers at George Mason University have identified that severe psychological distress—fueled by bullying, stigma, and family rejection—is the primary driver behind disproportionately high vaping rates among LGBTQ+ youth. This groundbreaking study shifts the focus from inherent identity to external societal pressures, demanding a fundamental change in how public health interventions are designed. Currently, an estimated 1.63 million middle and high school students in the United States use e-cigarettes. However, data consistently shows that sexual and gender minorities (identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer) engage in vaping at significantly higher rates than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. To understand this disparity,…