Association of Vapers IndiaReducing risk, saving lives since 2016हिन्दीThe evidence base
Two ways into the evidence: a quick topline of what the major medical, scientific and regulatory bodies have concluded, and below it a living library of individual studies for anyone who wants to go deeper.
A curated sample — not an exhaustive list. See the fuller compilation of 180+ international bodies' positions, with sourcing, linked below.
High-certainty evidence: per 100 smokers trying to quit, about 8–10 succeed using nicotine e-cigarettes, versus 6 using nicotine replacement therapy (gums, patches) and 4 with no support.
A consensus statement from SRNT’s Treatment Research Network recommends clinicians discuss nicotine e-cigarettes as a cessation option with adult smokers, alongside other evidence-based treatments.
In the short and medium term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking, the UK government’s 2022 evidence review concluded.
The hazard to health from long-term vapour inhalation is unlikely to exceed 5% of the harm from smoking tobacco.
Exclusive e-cigarette use is likely to be far less harmful than combustible tobacco cigarette use across all disease outcomes examined.
The FDA has authorised specific reduced-risk and modified-risk marketing claims for e-cigarette, heated-tobacco and nicotine-pouch categories found, after scientific review, to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals versus cigarettes.
Completely substituting electronic nicotine delivery systems for combustible cigarettes reduces users’ exposure to numerous toxicants found in cigarette smoke.
Vaping carries much less risk than smoking cigarettes — official position underpinning NZ’s regulated-access approach.
Switching completely from smoking to vaping is a less harmful option than continuing to smoke.
Vaping is far less harmful than smoking, and switching completely could benefit a smoker’s health.
For a fuller, sourced compilation of 180+ international medical, scientific and government bodies' public positions on tobacco harm reduction, see this community-maintained reference list. AVI did not compile it and cannot vouch for every entry — verify anything you plan to rely on against the body's own site.
Longer explainers for anyone who wants more than a one-line finding.
Individual studies, added automatically from PubMed and Europe PMC and summarised in plain language by AI. The 3 most recent are shown below — 143 in total.
A comprehensive global analysis found 241 million people chewing tobacco in 2023, causing 251,000 deaths and 6.48 million years of lost healthy life annually. India accounts for nearly two-thirds of chewing tobacco users worldwide, with stroke and oral cancers being the leading health harms.
Full entry →Researchers examined hand surgery patients and found that those using non-tobacco nicotine products (like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches) in the year before surgery experienced higher rates of wound complications, blood clots, and infections after their procedures compared to non-users.
Full entry →A US study tracking tobacco and nicotine use among high school students from 2023-2025 found that nicotine pouches are emerging as a growing concern, more than doubling in use over two years, while traditional cigarette smoking remained at historic lows. Most other nicotine products showed stable or unchanged use patterns, though many young users consumed multiple products simultaneously.
Full entry →Researchers interviewed 44 regular oral nicotine pouch users to understand how they use these products. Users reported varying habits including where they place pouches in their mouth, how long they keep them in, and whether they use multiple pouches at once—all of which affect how much nicotine they absorb.
Full entry →Researchers found that when reviewing evidence on e-cigarettes for quitting smoking, one large study (Hajek et al.) overwhelmingly influenced the overall conclusion, potentially distorting the true picture. They propose a new testing method to detect when single studies unfairly dominate systematic reviews, helping policymakers better understand the actual strength of evidence.
Full entry →A survey of nearly 13,000 adolescents across four Latin American countries found that about 6% had tried nicotine pouches, with current use at 2.4%. Pouches were more popular in Peru than Argentina, appealed more to boys and wealthier teens, and were often obtained informally through friends rather than direct purchase.
Full entry →A study of over 25,000 California adolescents found that fewer young people attempt to stop using cannabis (39%) compared to vaping (53%) or smoking cigarettes (48%). The lower quit-attempt rate for cannabis may be linked to young people viewing it as less risky than tobacco products.
Full entry →When smokers trying to quit experience heightened anxiety during a stressful task while already deprived of nicotine, they are more likely to smoke cigarettes and relapse within 48 hours. The study suggests that measuring anxiety responses might help identify smokers at higher risk of early failure in quit attempts.
Full entry →This study examined 498 Black daily smokers and found that anxiety and depression together—and sometimes independently—influence various smoking behaviors including difficulty quitting, dependence severity, and expectations about withdrawal symptoms. The combination of these two mental health conditions appears particularly important in understanding why some smokers struggle to quit.
Full entry →Researchers surveyed smokers across four countries to understand how people might change their smoking behaviour if governments reduced nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. The study found that smokers anticipated various responses, including smoking more cigarettes, switching to other nicotine products, or quitting entirely.
Full entry →Researchers found concerning levels of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and chromium in smokeless tobacco products sold across India, with samples from Uttar Pradesh showing the highest contamination. While non-cancer risks appeared low, cancer risks from these metals—especially for regular users—were moderate to concerning and warrant urgent regulatory action.
Full entry →When young adults believed e-cigarettes were as harmful as regular cigarettes, some quit nicotine products altogether, but others switched to combustible cigarettes or alternative tobacco products. This suggests that simply warning people about e-cigarette risks may not reduce overall tobacco use and could unintentionally push users toward more harmful alternatives.
Full entry →A French study of 68 smokers found that those with childhood ADHD symptoms and higher impulsivity were more likely to fail at quitting or reducing smoking. Depression was also linked to poor smoking reduction outcomes. The researchers suggest that screening and treating ADHD and impulsivity early could improve quit rates.
Full entry →Researchers analyzed studies comparing e-cigarette use and hypertension risk. Using e-cigarettes alone showed no clear link to high blood pressure, but people using both e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes had higher hypertension risk. Traditional cigarette smoking remained clearly associated with high blood pressure.
Full entry →A study of 700 American smokers and vapers found that people using oral nicotine pouches tend to have lower motivation to quit smoking or vaping. Interestingly, among smokers, those who had attempted quitting more frequently used nicotine pouches more often, while among vapers, greater confidence in quitting was linked to higher pouch use.
Full entry →A study of 389 people using a vaping cessation app found that those who started with greater confidence in their ability to quit vaping stayed abstinent about 2 days longer than those with low confidence. People with higher confidence were also significantly less likely to relapse within the first week.
Full entry →A U.S. survey found that most adults are uncertain whether non-cigarette tobacco products help smokers quit, while about one in five believe they can help. People who had previously used e-cigarettes or other modified tobacco products were significantly more likely to believe these products aid cessation.
Full entry →A survey of Israeli adults found widespread confusion about e-cigarette harms: only 29% correctly understood e-cigarettes as less harmful than regular cigarettes, while over half believed they were equally or more harmful. Smokers and older adults were especially likely to overestimate e-cigarette dangers, suggesting public health communication about relative risks has been ineffective.
Full entry →A US study found that cigarette smokers are significantly less likely to get screened for colorectal, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers compared to non-smokers. Vaping showed mixed associations with screening rates that differed by gender and smoking history, but smoking remained the strongest barrier to cancer screening across all types.
Full entry →Research shows that people who use both tobacco and cannabis are 25% less likely to quit smoking. However, a specific cannabis compound called CBD showed promise in reducing cigarette use by 40% and easing withdrawal symptoms, suggesting targeted cannabis-based treatments could help tobacco cessation.
Full entry →When people reduce cannabis use, they may drink slightly more alcohol, especially if they experience cannabis cravings. However, cigarette smoking showed mixed patterns—sometimes increasing and sometimes decreasing with cannabis reduction. Medical treatments did not substantially change these substitution patterns.
Full entry →A British survey tracking adults from 2021-2024 found gambling activity and related harms increased significantly, with daily gambling rates rising from 1.1% to 1.7% and treatment for gambling disorder doubling from 0.9% to 1.6%. People exceeding alcohol guidelines and cannabis users showed highest gambling rates, suggesting overlapping addiction vulnerabilities.
Full entry →Researchers analyzed 60 studies and found that people who completely switched from cigarettes to e-cigarettes showed substantially reduced levels of harmful toxins in their bodies—reductions ranging from 61% to 92% depending on the specific toxin measured. However, the authors emphasize these findings show reduced exposure to measured toxins, not proof of reduced disease risk or long-term safety.
Full entry →When smokers tried switching to e-cigarettes over 12 weeks, their cigarette consumption dropped by about 10 cigarettes daily. Users consistently preferred fruity flavors and specific nicotine strengths based on device type, with these preferences remaining stable throughout the study.
Full entry →Laboratory research comparing cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor found both substances reduce the immune system's ability to fight infections and inflammation, while causing lasting changes to bone marrow cells that increase production of certain white blood cells. These changes persisted even after exposure stopped, suggesting potential long-term health consequences.
Full entry →Between 1999 and 2026, smoking rates declined significantly among the general US population and people with bipolar disorder or depression, but remained unchanged for those with schizophrenia. However, all groups—including those with schizophrenia—smoked fewer cigarettes daily over time.
Full entry →Researchers developed and tested a computer-based conversational tool (powered by artificial intelligence) designed to help people quit tobacco. The study followed a single group of participants before and after using this interface to assess whether it could support tobacco cessation efforts.
Full entry →A medication combination of bupropion and zonisamide helped people who smoke cigarettes switch to e-cigarettes more successfully than either drug alone or placebo, with faster initial reductions in smoking and weight loss instead of weight gain.
Full entry →Researchers examined how health messages about different nicotine and tobacco products compare in effectiveness. While messages helped people better understand the relative risks of lower-risk products, the way these messages were designed and delivered varied widely across studies, creating confusion about whether people should switch products entirely.
Full entry →Chewing tobacco is causing an increasing burden of lip, oral cavity, and esophageal cancers globally and especially in China between 2000-2021. While oral cancer cases are projected to keep rising (particularly in men), esophageal cancer cases are declining. Population growth and aging are the main drivers of these trends.
Full entry →Smokeless tobacco use in South Africa is driven by cultural, spiritual, and medicinal beliefs rather than just recreation. Users experience real health harms, but some believe spiritual practices protect them from danger, which may prevent them from quitting.
Full entry →Researchers tracked daily drug use patterns in 87 people over two weeks and found that on days when people used opioids together with stimulants, they were more likely to engage in risky behaviors like injecting drugs or using other substances compared to days when they used opioids alone.
Full entry →A 2025 U.S. survey found that e-cigarettes remain the most popular tobacco product among youth, with nicotine pouches rising as a secondary choice. Nearly all young users preferred flavored versions—particularly fruit flavors for e-cigarettes and mint for pouches—with Geek Bar and ZYN emerging as the dominant brands.
Full entry →Canadian researchers found that on-product health warnings significantly discourage people from choosing e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, or cigarettes, with the effect strongest when warnings appear on all three product types simultaneously. Higher prices also reduced product preference, while lower nicotine concentrations in vape products were favored by both users and non-users.
Full entry →A US study found that people who recently suffered heart attacks or heart failure showed little interest in switching from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes, with only 4.5% expressing willingness to make the switch. Most participants (70%) believed e-cigarettes were very or extremely harmful, suggesting e-cigarette switching is unlikely to be an effective smoking reduction strategy for this high-risk cardiac population.
Full entry →Among people with opioid use disorder who smoke, those who successfully reduced their cigarette consumption by at least half showed a distinctive pattern: they increased their e-cigarette use early on and maintained higher usage levels throughout a 4-week trial. Those who failed to reduce cigarettes showed stable or declining e-cigarette use, suggesting that adequate e-cigarette adoption may be necessary for switching away from combustible cigarettes in this population.
Full entry →In a small pilot study, about half of COPD patients who smoke were able to reduce their cigarette consumption by at least 50% by switching to e-cigarettes over 12 weeks. Those who successfully switched showed measurable improvements in carbon monoxide levels and breathing-related quality of life scores, though other health improvements were more modest.
Full entry →A clinical trial found that e-cigarettes alone helped smokers quit at nearly twice the rate of email support messages alone (11.3% vs 6.4%), and adding phone-based behavioral counseling to e-cigarettes doubled quit rates further (21.1%). This suggests e-cigarettes can be effective smoking cessation tools, especially when combined with professional support.
Full entry →When pharmacists and dentists worked together to help smokers quit using counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and digital follow-up, about a quarter achieved complete abstinence and another fifth cut their smoking in half within six months. Adding nicotine replacement therapy to counseling produced significantly better results than counseling alone.
Full entry →This study tested whether nicotine pouches with flavors help people reduce cigarette smoking compared to unflavored versions. Both flavored and unflavored pouches helped smokers cut cigarette use by about half, though flavors may help non-responders and create more smoke-free days initially.
Full entry →When doctors combined standard smoking cessation counseling with a digital therapy app, patients achieved higher quit rates and reduced cigarette use more than those receiving standard care alone. At 6 months, 50% of those using the digital tool had quit smoking compared to 36% with standard care only.
Full entry →When China restricted e-cigarette flavours and online sales in 2022, most users continued accessing products through illegal channels. While some users quit, others increased consumption, and many believed remaining products were safer due to misleading labelling. The regulations achieved limited public health gains.
Full entry →Emergency department doctors should screen all patients for nicotine addiction and offer evidence-based medications plus counseling before discharge, with referrals to ongoing treatment. This approach can help reduce serious health harms from nicotine use.
Full entry →This study examined 246 patients treated for facial and jaw defects over nine years at an Indian hospital. Infections (especially fungal), injuries, and cancers were the main causes, with smoking and tobacco use being common risk factors. Removable dental prostheses were the primary treatment approach.
Full entry →A study of nearly 500 Black adults found that those who use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes together experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, drug use problems, and hazardous alcohol consumption compared to those who smoke only combustible cigarettes.
Full entry →A review of recent research found that combining counselling with medication works best for helping smokers quit in primary care clinics. Simple tools like electronic reminders and free medicines also improve quit rates, though evidence for helping e-cigarette users quit remains sparse.
Full entry →Researchers measured three environmental chemicals in the urine of pregnant Norwegian women that can interfere with thyroid function by blocking iodine absorption. Women who used snus (moist tobacco) daily had notably higher levels of one chemical (thiocyanate) compared to non-users, though chemical levels varied substantially within individual women over time.
Full entry →Nearly 2% of US teenagers saw nicotine pouch marketing on social media weekly, with exposure concentrated on Snapchat and TikTok. Teens who had already used nicotine pouches or showed behavioral problems were significantly more likely to encounter such content.
Full entry →When the US raised the legal tobacco purchase age to 21 in 2019, young adults aged 19-20 reduced their use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes by about 26-28% compared to slightly older adults. The law also showed signs of encouraging some young people to quit nicotine use entirely, though this effect was less conclusive.
Full entry →Adults experiencing frequent mental distress are significantly more likely to use nicotine products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, compared to those without mental distress. Notably, people with mental distress who smoke are also more motivated to quit, suggesting they may be responsive to cessation support.
Full entry →Smokers aged over 55 who think about long-term consequences were nearly four times more likely to try vaping. People who believed vaping was less harmful than smoking were also significantly more likely to start vaping, regardless of age or how they thought about the future.
Full entry →Global research from 1990-2021 shows that while smoking-related mouth and lip cancer deaths have declined worldwide due to tobacco control efforts, cancer deaths from chewing tobacco have remained stubbornly high and are projected to stay that way through 2050. South Asia carries the heaviest burden, with women particularly affected by chewing tobacco.
Full entry →A Canadian medical guideline recommends that pregnant women and those planning pregnancy be routinely screened for nicotine use from any source. The guideline advises behavioral counseling as the primary approach, with careful consideration of nicotine replacement or other medicines when needed, plus ongoing support after delivery to prevent relapse.
Full entry →A large US survey found that doctors ask cigarette smokers about their tobacco use more often than users of cigars, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes. When doctors do ask non-cigarette users about tobacco, they are far less likely to recommend quitting compared to cigarette smokers.
Full entry →Among nearly 18,000 Texas college students in 2025-2026, awareness of heated tobacco products remained low at 15%, with only 2.5% reporting ever trying them and 0.6% using them in the past month. Use was concentrated among young adults already using other tobacco products, particularly e-cigarettes, with no evidence the products were being adopted for quitting smoking.
Full entry →Researchers found that both traditional cigarettes and newer nicotine products like e-cigarettes, snus, and nicotine pouches contain dangerous heavy metals including mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. While alternative products may reduce some smoking-related harms, users still face significant exposure to these toxic metals. Better monitoring and stricter regulations are needed across all nicotine products.
Full entry →Laboratory testing of cell samples exposed to cigarette smoke, heated tobacco products, and e-cigarette vapour showed that cigarette smoke caused the most damage to cells and DNA, while the heated tobacco and e-cigarette products produced less damage under these specific test conditions. However, the researchers note these lab findings do not prove these products are safer for human health.
Full entry →Researchers designed a program combining human coaching with mobile app technology and incentive rewards to help pregnant women on Medicaid quit smoking. The program tested whether offering gift cards for engagement and abstinence, paired with digital tools and phone support, could be practical and acceptable for this population.
Full entry →Among people who regularly use illegal drugs in Australia, the use of illegally traded tobacco nearly doubled between 2024-2025, with affordability as the main driver. Illegal tobacco was typically purchased from tobacconists, and use was more common in Sydney than other major cities.
Full entry →Between 2021-2025, England increased public funding for smoking cessation support services. This population-based study examined whether higher funding levels led to more people attempting to quit smoking during this period.
Full entry →A study of over 4,500 spine surgery patients found that those using nontobacco nicotine products (e-cigarettes, pouches, gums, lozenges) experienced more complications, infections, opioid use, and need for repeat surgery compared to nonusers in the 2 years following lumbar fusion surgery.
Full entry →Researchers examined mouth cell damage in tobacco users versus non-users in Saudi Arabia's Jazan region. Both smokers and smokeless tobacco users showed signs of cellular injury and genetic damage, with smokers showing more severe changes. The damage increased with longer tobacco use, suggesting regular screening could help catch early warning signs of oral cancer.
Full entry →A workplace smoking cessation programme in the UK faced significant implementation challenges among manual and routine workers. Success required clear communication with employers, dedicated staff resources, and addressing practical barriers like lack of private spaces and shift-work schedules that prevented employee participation.
Full entry →Researchers combined artificial intelligence technology with retail sales and survey information to track and monitor oral nicotine pouch products available in the US market. This approach provides a new method for understanding how these products are sold and distributed across different regions.
Full entry →This review of 23 studies examined how well vaping and non-combustible nicotine cessation programs follow established public health standards. While most interventions were relevant and effective, few involved stakeholders or planned for long-term sustainability; users preferred digital, flexible programs with social support features.
Full entry →A global group of pediatric respiratory specialists warns that e-cigarettes are widely used by young people worldwide and expose them to harmful chemicals and nicotine. Research shows vaping is linked to respiratory problems, mental health issues, and often leads teenagers to start smoking regular cigarettes. The organization calls for countries to ban e-cigarette sales and advertising to protect children's health.
Full entry →Researchers from tobacco companies, laboratories, and regulatory bodies identified inconsistencies in how different labs test tobacco and nicotine products for genetic damage using the Ames bacterial test. The study proposes standardized guidelines to make testing more comparable across laboratories and highlights areas needing further research.
Full entry →This research identified four distinct groups of young people based on how they perceive health risks from different tobacco products. Youth who used e-cigarettes or cigarettes tended to underestimate risks across all products, while most young people either viewed all products as equally harmful or recognized all as very harmful.
Full entry →This research tracked smokers who switched to using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, finding they absorbed fewer harmful tobacco chemicals (nitrosamines) compared to those who kept smoking only cigarettes. However, these dual users did not reduce their overall nicotine intake, and the benefits were smaller among heavier smokers.
Full entry →This review examines how cellular metabolic changes trigger epigenetic modifications that alter immune cell behavior in COPD patients. The authors propose that COPD involves a persistent 'inflammatory memory' driven by metabolic dysfunction and oxidative stress, even after smoking stops, and suggest targeting these metabolic-epigenetic pathways could offer new treatments.
Full entry →A large US trial found that providing e-cigarettes to smokers helped them reduce or quit smoking equally well across different age groups, income levels, and smoking histories. The benefits did not vary significantly based on who the smoker was—suggesting e-cigarettes may work as a cessation tool across diverse populations.
Full entry →Swedish researchers reviewed available evidence on newer nicotine products and found e-cigarettes linked to respiratory problems and possible cardiovascular risks, while heated tobacco products showed some respiratory concerns. However, evidence remains limited for these products and especially for white snus, highlighting the need for more long-term safety studies.
Full entry →Laboratory testing found that newer nicotine products like heated tobacco and e-cigarettes produced aerosols with significantly fewer toxic effects on human cells compared to traditional cigarette smoke. E-cigarettes showed the least harm, followed by herbal products and heated tobacco, while cigarettes caused the most cellular damage including oxidative stress and genetic changes.
Full entry →International tobacco researchers recommend that doctors discuss e-cigarettes as a cessation option alongside other nicotine treatments when helping adult smokers quit, noting that e-cigarettes are less harmful than cigarettes and more effective than FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies.
Full entry →Researchers created a measurement system to compare nicotine exposure across different products—cigarettes, vapes, and pouches. They found that modern alternatives often deliver as much or more nicotine than traditional cigarettes, with implications for surgical outcomes and wound healing.
Full entry →A German survey of over 1,100 people found that while traditional cigarettes remain the primary way most people start using nicotine (84%), younger and better-educated individuals are increasingly beginning with alternative products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.
Full entry →A study of nearly 100 young Australians revealed widespread exposure to illegal nicotine pouch advertising, primarily through social media platforms like TikTok featuring attractive influencers. Despite advertising bans, these products are readily available through tobacconists and convenience stores, with marketing strategies portraying nicotine as natural and appealing.
Full entry →A Danish survey of youth aged 15-29 found that 14% use nicotine pouches regularly. Among users, over 80% reported feeling addicted and nearly 80% regretted starting. Daily use, longer use duration, higher nicotine strength, and menthol flavoring were linked to greater perceived addiction.
Full entry →Nicotine pouch use among American tobacco users nearly doubled from 2021 to 2024, rising from 16.4% to 31.1% for ever-use and from 3.0% to 10.2% for current use. Growth occurred across almost all demographic groups, with younger adults and men showing higher adoption rates, and current smokeless tobacco users being particularly likely to use nicotine pouches.
Full entry →This US study found that nicotine vaping is widespread among people with substance use disorders, with usage rates increasing sharply as the severity of alcohol or drug disorders becomes more severe. People with severe drug disorders were over three times more likely to vape nicotine alongside conventional tobacco compared to non-users.
Full entry →This research examined ankle surgery patients who used nicotine without tobacco and found they experienced more complications within 90 days after surgery—including higher rates of readmission, wound problems, and infection—compared to non-users. However, long-term mechanical problems were similar between the two groups.
Full entry →Researchers examined how non-tobacco nicotine products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches affect bone and surgical healing. While laboratory studies suggest nicotine may interfere with healing, real-world evidence in patients is unclear due to poor data quality and inability to distinguish between traditional smokers and exclusive nicotine product users.
Full entry →College students in the US who knew about nicotine pouch loyalty programmes were nearly five times more likely to intend using these products and four times more likely to have already used them. Most students learned about these programmes through social media influencers and word-of-mouth rather than direct company marketing.
Full entry →Laboratory research found that nicotine pouch extracts interfered with bone cell development in human stem cells, reducing key markers of bone formation in a dose-dependent manner. Gene expression patterns showed disrupted bone development pathways, with wintergreen flavored pouches at 6mg showing particularly strong effects.
Full entry →A US study tracking nicotine pouch use among teenagers found adoption rose from 0.8% in 2021 to 1.6% by 2023, then stabilized around 1.7% in 2025. Most pouch users also use other tobacco products, though roughly 1 in 10 report no prior nicotine product experience.
Full entry →Researchers reviewed recent studies on oral nicotine pouches and found their use among young people is gradually rising, sales have tripled since 2021, and they can help some smokers reduce cigarette consumption—though most users continue smoking both products rather than quitting completely.
Full entry →A comprehensive analysis of 11 studies found that people who use hallucinogens are approximately 4.5 times more likely to also use e-cigarettes. The researchers suggest these behaviors may share common social and environmental risk factors, though more research is needed to understand the exact relationship.
Full entry →After Australia's 2024 vaping restrictions, researchers surveyed 1,848 teenagers and found that roughly 1 in 8 had tried e-cigarettes, 1 in 17 had tried regular cigarettes, and 1 in 29 had tried nicotine pouches. Young people who used one nicotine product were very likely to have tried others, and boys were significantly more prone to using cigarettes and nicotine pouches than girls.
Full entry →This study compared how quickly nicotine enters the bloodstream from four different JUUL2 vaping products versus traditional cigarettes among adults using both. The vaping products delivered similar or lower nicotine levels than cigarettes and were rated as less addictive, though they were equally effective at reducing cravings.
Full entry →A Turkish survey of 525 physicians found they had moderate-to-high knowledge about e-cigarettes, but this knowledge didn't translate into better smoking cessation counseling practices. Doctors who personally used tobacco were less likely to counsel patients on quitting, and social media was their main information source rather than medical literature.
Full entry →A clinical trial found that young adults who use both cigars and cigarettes strongly prefer flavored cigars over tobacco-flavored ones, but removing flavored cigars did not lead them to smoke more cigarettes. This suggests that banning flavored cigars might reduce overall cigar use without pushing dual users toward increased cigarette consumption.
Full entry →This analysis examines whether improvements in sleep quality observed in a smoking-cessation trial resulted from the effects of electronic nicotine delivery systems themselves, or from supportive counseling and behavioral interventions provided alongside the devices.
Full entry →Among U.S. teenagers who vape, about 30% want to quit. Youth are less likely to want to quit if they vape daily, have tried many times before, use flavored products, use other drugs, or have friends who vape. Teens who believe vaping is harmful or addictive, or who have previously attempted to quit, show stronger intentions to stop.
Full entry →Among U.S. smokers who had no intention to quit, those who began using e-cigarettes daily were significantly more likely to reduce or stop smoking cigarettes compared to those who never used e-cigarettes. However, only 2% of this population adopted daily e-cigarette use, suggesting e-cigarettes played a limited but notable role in reducing smoking in this resistant-to-quitting group.
Full entry →A classroom-based intervention called UP2UTeacher successfully reduced high school students' interest in using tobacco and nicotine products in a single session. Students showed increased awareness of the harms and addictive nature of various tobacco products, with the strongest changes among those initially willing to try these products.
Full entry →Researchers surveyed over 18,000 young people aged 10-17 across three African countries and found that tobacco use varied significantly by location (ranging from 2.5% to 11.9%), with higher rates among boys, older teens, and working youth. School enrollment and having both parents alive were protective factors, though the relationship with parental education differed across countries.
Full entry →A study of U.S. Military Academy cadets found that nicotine use roughly tripled during their four years of attendance, with users increasingly shifting toward smokeless products like nicotine pouches rather than traditional cigarettes. This suggests the military academy environment itself may be associated with increased nicotine adoption among young adults.
Full entry →A large English survey found that about 3.7% of adults use some form of non-cigarette tobacco products, with cigars and waterpipes being most common. Use patterns differ by product and population: cigars appeal more to men and smokers, while waterpipes are popular among younger people and ethnic minorities. Exclusive non-cigarette tobacco use peaked in 2022 but has since declined.
Full entry →A large Indian survey of 10-30 year-olds found high rates of smokeless tobacco use (15.3%), physical inactivity (32.4%), and mental health issues, alongside concerning dietary patterns with excess salt and sugar intake. These modifiable risk factors signal an emerging non-communicable disease burden in young Indians that could be addressed through community health programs.
Full entry →Children whose parents separate face roughly 1.5 to 2.8 times higher likelihood of starting smoking and developing nicotine dependence compared to children from intact families. Smoking rates among separated households ranged from 28.5–52%, versus 14.2–29.1% in intact families, with early separation, poverty, and parental smoking history amplifying risk.
Full entry →A study of over 1,100 US smokers found that most who tried Velo nicotine pouches adopted them regularly, with about one-fifth reducing cigarette consumption by at least half. The majority of participants expressed strong interest in continuing to use the product.
Full entry →A UK study tested whether a 12-week personalized smoking support program could help mental health patients maintain quit attempts after discharge from smoke-free hospital wards. While participants valued the tailored support, the program did not meet success targets for participant retention, suggesting that mental health populations need different approaches to prevent return to smoking.
Full entry →Counsellors at Australian smoking quitlines found they could effectively support people with drug and alcohol problems to quit smoking using vaping products or nicotine replacement therapy, when given proper training and organisational support. The study shows that quitline services can adapt quickly to work with addiction treatment centres and help smokers access reduced-harm nicotine options.
Full entry →US youth primarily use nicotine pouches for experimentation, the nicotine effect, and relaxation. Flavors, convenience, and addiction feelings were most strongly linked to regular use and frequency of consumption.
Full entry →Researchers compared how eleven low- and middle-income countries regulate e-cigarettes, tax them, and assign oversight responsibility. Countries fell into three groups: strict prohibition, transitional policies, or differentiated approaches. Most countries with legal e-cigarette markets had specific taxes on these products, though tax design didn't always match how permissive regulations were.
Full entry →When heavy smokers (>16 cigarettes/day) used e-cigarettes early in a trial, they were more likely to reduce smoking and lower harmful chemical exposure within weeks. However, lighter smokers (<7 cigarettes/day) who switched to e-cigarettes actually had worse outcomes and were more likely to use both products simultaneously.
Full entry →This study found that tobacco use affects over one-third of middle-aged and older Indians, with rural populations consuming significantly more than urban populations. Smokeless tobacco is more common than smoking, and differences between rural and urban areas are largely explained by education levels, regional location, and alcohol use patterns.
Full entry →Researchers analyzed oral nicotine pouches (Velo brand) and found they contain fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes and similar levels to pharmaceutical nicotine products. The study suggests these pouches carry substantially lower health risks than smoking if users completely switch from cigarettes.
Full entry →Researchers examined safety data from a controlled trial testing whether e-cigarettes help smokers reduce their cigarette consumption. The analysis looked at what adverse health events participants experienced during the study period.
Full entry →Adolescents in Kenya and Nigeria who were exposed to secondhand smoke were significantly more likely to use tobacco or nicotine products compared to those without such exposure. The link was stronger in Nigeria than Kenya. Strengthening smoke-free policies could help protect young people from both secondhand smoke and tobacco product use.
Full entry →A survey of 325 Saudi physicians found that roughly three-quarters were aware of tobacco harm reduction, but fewer than half felt knowledgeable about it. About two-thirds believed harm reduction strategies could help smokers quit, and 61% said they would recommend these approaches. Doctors' willingness to recommend harm reduction was strongest among those with better knowledge, positive views, and awareness of specific nicotine pouch products.
Full entry →Between 2016 and 2024, the share of smokers in wealthy nations who couldn't afford household essentials because of cigarette spending grew substantially, particularly in Australia. People experiencing this financial squeeze were more likely to attempt quitting but less likely to succeed, and younger, lower-income smokers faced the highest risk.
Full entry →Researchers reviewed evidence on whether snus (moist tobacco pouches) and nicotine pouches increase heart disease risk. The findings suggest nicotine itself—not other tobacco chemicals—is likely responsible for cardiovascular harm, though long-term safety data on newer nicotine pouches remains limited.
Full entry →Over 10 years, US adults followed four distinct patterns of tobacco use: most maintained low use, but significant minorities showed persistently high use, increasing use, or successful quitting. Younger adults, men, sexual minorities, Black adults, and those with less education faced higher risks of ongoing or escalating tobacco consumption.
Full entry →A survey of 207 e-cigarette users in Riyadh found that men vape more frequently than women and perceive less harm, while most users learned about vaping from friends and family rather than health sources. Despite high awareness of e-cigarette legality, many users held incorrect beliefs about safety and emissions.
Full entry →Researchers analyzed tobacco use patterns across 66 countries and found that when smokeless tobacco is included alongside smoking, health inequality becomes worse for poorer populations. This suggests smokeless tobacco disproportionately affects lower-income groups more than smoking alone does.
Full entry →Researchers gave e-cigarettes to people with opioid addiction who smoked cigarettes but didn't want to quit. Those receiving e-cigarettes reduced their daily cigarette consumption by more than half over 8 weeks, while the control group showed minimal reduction. Their smoking-related toxin exposure also decreased significantly, with no negative effects on their opioid treatment.
Full entry →Researchers examined how the SLAY nicotine pouch brand uses marketing strategies specifically designed to appeal to young women. The study reveals targeted advertising approaches that could influence youth adoption of these nicotine products.
Full entry →The UK's 2026 Tobacco and Vapes Act represents a significant advance in tobacco control regulation, but the legislation fails to provide clear, consistent definitions and labeling standards for different nicotine and tobacco products, potentially creating confusion among consumers and policymakers about product risks and benefits.
Full entry →Researchers reviewed evidence suggesting that GLP-1 drugs—medications already used for diabetes and weight management—may help people quit smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and preventing weight gain after quitting, offering a potentially more effective option than current smoking cessation treatments.
Full entry →India's tobacco-related deaths surged 55% between 1990 and 2023, though age-adjusted death rates improved. Chewing tobacco showed the sharpest increase, while smoking remains the deadliest form, with lung disease, heart disease and stroke as leading causes of tobacco-related harm.
Full entry →A 2025 survey of over 23,000 U.S. middle and high school students found that while overall youth tobacco use declined significantly from 2022-2025, approximately 2 million students still used tobacco products, with e-cigarettes remaining the most common choice and many users reporting frequent consumption patterns.
Full entry →This research examines how NNK, a cancer-causing chemical found in tobacco products, damages DNA in the human body. The study explains the biological pathways through which NNK becomes toxic after being consumed and metabolized, and identifies how individual genetic differences affect cancer risk from exposure.
Full entry →A major medical guideline recommends that hospitals use an opt-out approach to offer all smoking patients counseling and stop-smoking medications during their stay, plus follow-up support after discharge. The review found moderate evidence that this strategy can help patients quit smoking and reduce hospital readmissions.
Full entry →A 2025 survey of American middle and high school students found that overall tobacco use continued to decline to 7.2%, but nicotine pouches—a newer product—doubled in use since 2021 and became the second-most popular tobacco product after e-cigarettes. Daily e-cigarette use among youth has increased significantly, and most young users prefer flavored tobacco products.
Full entry →People diagnosed with cancer used tobacco at similar rates as those without cancer, but were more likely to seek professional cessation help. However, they were actually less successful at quitting despite greater use of evidence-based treatments, suggesting current support methods need improvement.
Full entry →This study found that roughly 1 in 9 pregnant women in Western Rajasthan use tobacco, with higher rates among those with less education, rural backgrounds, and unplanned pregnancies. Most pregnant tobacco users were not actively trying to quit, though motivation increased with stronger nicotine dependence.
Full entry →A 2024 analysis of U.S. adults found that rural residents use tobacco products at notably higher rates than urban residents, particularly cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Rural dwellers were about 1.4 times more likely to use any tobacco and 2.3 times more likely to use smokeless tobacco compared to city dwellers.
Full entry →A US study tracking smokers from 2013-2021 found that adults in rural and town areas were significantly more likely to continue smoking cigarettes exclusively compared to urban residents, who were more likely to quit tobacco entirely. The findings suggest that geographic location influences smoking cessation patterns, with rural populations facing greater challenges in quitting.
Full entry →A large Korean study tracking 7 million adults found that while heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes may help some smokers quit conventional cigarettes, they are associated with more people starting or returning to smoking and fewer people quitting tobacco entirely. People using multiple tobacco products typically return to conventional cigarettes rather than achieving complete cessation.
Full entry →Between 2018-2023, roughly one in five U.S. smokers attempting to quit used e-cigarettes as a cessation tool. People who believed e-cigarettes were safer than regular cigarettes and whose social circles used e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to adopt this approach.
Full entry →A survey of over 600 American teenagers found that while few personally use Zyn nicotine pouches, many know peers who do. Young people were aware of health risks but expressed mixed feelings about the products, with peer influence being a major driver of use. Researchers recommend healthcare providers screen for and counsel youth about nicotine pouch use.
Full entry →Researchers analyzed the chemical contents of nicotine pouches and found they release not just nicotine, but also dozens of potentially harmful substances including allergens, suspected cancer-causing chemicals, and banned plasticizers. A child consuming multiple pouches could be exposed to dangerous nicotine levels.
Full entry →This review examines how doctors are personalizing COPD treatment by identifying different disease patterns through blood tests and imaging, then using targeted medications like newer biologic drugs and anti-inflammatory agents tailored to each patient's inflammation type rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Full entry →A U.S. survey of high school students found that vaping and marijuana were the most commonly used substances, with notable differences by gender, race/ethnicity, and grade level. Rural students showed higher rates of tobacco and nicotine product use compared to urban and suburban peers.
Full entry →Research indicates that vaping products may help some smokers quit traditional cigarettes. This finding suggests vapes could serve as a potential tool for reducing smoking rates, though effectiveness likely varies among individuals.
Full entry →A survey of over 1,000 people at four Sydney emergency departments found that about half had tried vaping, with one-third using vapes daily. Users commonly experienced respiratory symptoms like coughing and breathlessness, yet many daily vapers incorrectly believed vaping was safer than smoking.
Full entry →A virtual training program in Missouri successfully taught healthcare workers across multiple disciplines how to treat tobacco and nicotine addiction. Over two years, the program reached 672 professionals from 57 counties, with participants reporting high satisfaction and 95% making changes to their clinical practice.
Full entry →I cannot provide an accurate brief as the study abstract was not accessible due to a technical error. To properly summarize this yoga-based tobacco cessation trial for Indian audiences, I would need the actual study results and findings.
Full entry →Young people in England identified multiple interconnected factors that facilitate vape access, including weak age verification at shops, attractive product design, aggressive marketing, and widespread social acceptance. They believed stronger retail and marketing controls were needed, but viewed vapes primarily as smoking-cessation tools rather than recreational products.
Full entry →Cochrane's living review of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, high-certainty evidence: per 100 people trying to quit smoking, roughly 8-10 succeed using nicotine e-cigarettes, compared with about 6 using nicotine replacement therapy (gums, patches), 7 using non-nicotine e-cigarettes, and 4 with no support. Nicotine e-cigarettes outperformed NRT head-to-head.
Full entry →An interview-based survey of 3,000 vapers across India's 8 largest metros. 71.3% of smokers reported quitting (30.0%) or reducing (41.3%) smoking with the help of e-cigarettes; similar patterns held among smokeless tobacco users. 79% believed e-cigarettes less harmful than smoking; 80% had first used nicotine via smoking or smokeless tobacco, not vaping — evidence against a vaping-as-gateway pattern in this sample.
Full entry →A comprehensive report from the UK's Royal College of Physicians concluding that e-cigarettes are substantially less harmful than smoking and recommending their promotion as a harm reduction tool, provided youth uptake and non-smoker use are minimised.
Full entry →