Smoking

A massive study finds genetic links to smoking and drinking

Carried out by dozens of authors, a new study evaluates information gathered from almost 3.4 million people, not all of European descent, and identifies thousands of genetic variants that are related to tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Flawed taxation puts Bangladesh among largest tobacco-consuming nations

The country aspires to become tobacco free by 2040 – but to achieve that goal 37.8 million Bangladeshis will have to quit smoking or consuming tobacco products.

What we know about the worldwide decline in tobacco use

Almost every country on the planet has reduced its tobacco intake in 2020, according to the WHO’s latest findings.

England to green light e-cigs on prescription for smokers

Manufacturers of e-cigarettes will be able to submit products for approval in the same way as other medicines available on the NHS.

Covid-19 science roundup: Childhood vaccine may prevent severe infection

A childhood vaccine may help prevent severe Covid-19 infections, while cigarette smoke increases the risk of contracting the virus, according to the latest study.

Is the coronavirus pandemic the best time to quit smoking?

Scientists say more and more people are using the pandemic to kick the habit amid fears tobacco use could heighten Covid-19 risks.

Why do more men die than women from coronavirus?

There are many reasons why male mortality rates are higher than female and the range is broad — from soaring cigarette and alcohol consumption among men to superior immune systems among women, backed by estrogen, a feminine hormone.

US unveils partial ban on flavoured e-cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration said cartridge-based e-cigarettes in flavours "other than tobacco or menthol" would be illegal unless they receive specific authorization from the government.

Instagram bans influencers from promoting vaping products

Tobacco companies have used celebrities like British singer Lily Allen and Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek in posts to promote e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes raise lung disease risks, but less than smoking: study

Scientists found that current and former e-cigarette users were 1.3 times more likely to develop chronic lung disease, while tobacco smokers increased their risk by a factor of 2.6.

Turkey switches to plain packaging for tobacco products

Turkey will join countries like France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia in selling cigarettes in plain packaging as diseases attributable to tobacco use causes more than 100,000 deaths in Turkey yearly.

US vaping-related deaths rise to 42, cases of illness to 2,172

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,051 confirmed and probable US lung injury cases and 39 deaths associated with use of e-cigarettes, or vaping products.