National

Awareness and ever use of electronic cigarettes among U.S. adults, 2010–2011
A new study assessed the awareness and use of e-cigarettes among adults in the U.S. from 2010-2011. Data from the national consumer-based HealthStyles survey of adults ages 18 and older were used in this study. About 21% of adult smokers and 6% of all respondents in 2011 used e-cigarettes, which is about double the estimates from 2010. Additionally, the percentage of adults that have tried e-cigarettes have doubled from 2010 to 2011, and the proportion of adults who have used e-cigarettes increased among both sexes, non-Hispanic Whites, those between 45 and 54 years old, residents of the South, and current and former smokers. The increases in awareness and use suggest that further research and surveillance are needed in order to determine the health effects of smoking e-cigarettes. Click here to read the study abstract published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Click here to access the statement regarding this study from the president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN), stating the urgency for the Food and Drug Administration to regulate e-cigarettes.  Click here to access the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ statement.

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International

World leaders must 'take tobacco much more seriously' to achieve development goals
A new study urges world leaders to focus on tobacco control policies, reducing salt levels in food, and improving access to heart disease drugs in order to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Recent data show that 34.5 million people died from NCDs in 2010, and the World Health Organization (WHO) committed to reducing NCD related deaths by 25% by 2025. According to this report published in The Lancet, regulation of the marketing of tobacco products, alcohol, and processed food and drinks is needed in order to achieve this goal. Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of cancer, and is linked to obesity, high alcohol consumption, and poor diet. Thus, it is important to keep NCDs high on the list of priorities when discussing the global political agenda. Click here to read more. Click here to access the report summary.

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