About our Tobacco news
Latest news on tobacco, cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes and nicotine products, covering health impacts, regulation, industry developments, smoking cessation and public health policies.
Tobacco remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges, with the World Health Organization reporting that it kills more than 8 million people annually. Major tobacco companies like British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, and Japan Tobacco continue to dominate the £700 billion global market, despite declining smoking rates in developed nations.
Recent regulatory developments have seen countries implementing stricter controls on tobacco products. The UK government has proposed raising the smoking age annually to create a 'smoke-free generation', while New Zealand has implemented similar generational bans. Meanwhile, the EU has strengthened its Tobacco Products Directive with tighter restrictions on flavoured products and marketing, particularly targeting youth consumption patterns.
Public health campaigns continue to evolve, with organisations like Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Cancer Research UK launching innovative cessation support initiatives. Community-based programmes have shown promising results, with successful quitters sharing their journeys through social media platforms and support groups, highlighting the personal struggles and triumphs associated with breaking nicotine addiction.
Tobacco's complex history dates back thousands of years, from its sacred use among indigenous American peoples to becoming a global commodity that shaped colonial economies. This historical context helps explain modern challenges, as economies dependent on tobacco farming – particularly in countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, and parts of India – struggle to transition to alternative livelihoods amid growing health concerns.
Our NewsNow feed on tobacco brings together the latest research findings, policy updates, industry news, and cessation resources from reliable sources worldwide. Whether you're a healthcare professional, policy advocate, researcher, or someone looking to quit, this feed provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of tobacco and nicotine products in today's changing landscape.