Author: moonswamp

Three decades after the Anti-Smoking Law, illicit vapes push Brazil's tobacco use to 11.6%.

The Richland County Council approved a proposal on July 7 to expand its smoke-free regulations to include e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Passed unanimously in its first reading, the measure aims to protect the public from secondhand vapor and align county rules with neighboring Columbia and Forest Acres. The ordinance requires two more votes to become law. Once enacted, it will mandate that all workplaces display visible "No Smoking" signs at their entrances. Violators of the ban will face a $25 fine, and infractions may be classified as a public nuisance. Certain exemptions remain under the proposed rule, including: Additionally, county…

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed legislation to regulate alternative nicotine products, aiming to protect minors from youth-targeted marketing. Taking effect in January 2028, the law introduces strict licensing requirements and heightened penalties for selling to underage buyers. Under the new regulations, all distributors must secure authorization from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. The law specifically bans vape designs that mimic toys, cartoon characters, or games—addressing products like cherry-scented vapes disguised as keychain Slurpee cups. While the bill passed with bipartisan support, some critics, including Representative Cesar Aguilar, argued the legislation falls short by failing to include…

The City of Arlington has implemented a strict ban on electronic cigarette use in enclosed public spaces, aligning its local ordinances with other major Texas metropolitan areas like Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. This legislative move aims to de-normalize vaping behavior and shield residents from the toxins and high nicotine levels associated with e-cigarettes. Health experts, including Dr. Fabian Sandoval, have lauded the measure, noting that the high concentration of nicotine in modern vaping devices is particularly damaging to the developing brains of teenagers. By pushing the activity further away from public view, officials hope to reduce the "social…

A new economic study reveals that while e-cigarette taxes successfully reduce vaping among heterosexual teens, they fail to decrease usage among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) youth who often rely on nicotine to cope with stress and bullying. Wake Forest University researchers have confirmed that state-level e-cigarette taxes do not universally reduce teen vaping. Occurring against the backdrop of a nationwide effort to curb youth nicotine addiction, this study reveals that price hikes fail to deter LGBQ youth who rely on vaping to manage emotional struggles. Over the past decade, more than 30 U.S. states and various municipalities have…