Latest news with #WorldVapeDay
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian Vaping Association Highlights Plans to Reduce Youth Vaping Rates on World Vape Day
Ottawa, ON, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On World Vape Day, the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) celebrates the continued decline in youth vaping rates, as reported in Statistics Canada's 2025 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (published March 26, 2025). This progress (achieved without flavour bans) demonstrates the success of balanced policies that prioritize both youth protection and harm reduction for adult smokers. 'World Vape Day and World No Tobacco Day are pivotal moments to recognize vaping's role in harm reduction and advancing Health Canada's goal of reducing smoking rates to less than 5% by 2035,' said Sam Tam, President of the Canadian Vaping Association. With 1.9 million adult vapers in Canada, vaping remains one of the most effective harm reduction tools available. However, recent calls for a nationwide flavour ban, based on misrepresented youth vaping data, threatens to reverse this progress. 'Claims that the industry targets youth with appealing flavours are false and irresponsible. Vape flavour marketing to youth is illegal under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and compliant businesses adhere strictly to these regulations,' Tam emphasized. Evidence from jurisdictions with flavour bans shows such policies fail to reduce youth vaping. Instead, they fuel illicit markets and force former smokers back to combustible cigarettes. Youth Vaping Rates Continue to Decline Statistics Canada data reveals a nearly 50% relative decline in youth vaping since 2019, a trend that contradicts current alarmist narratives. The CVA urges policymakers to focus on enforcement, education, and harm reduction rather than prohibition entirely. Health Canada has indicated the main reasons why youth experiment with vaping is because of peer pressure that stems from school stress, home life and responsibilities, family pressures, social media and desire to fit in and feel accepted by friends. Like underage use of alcohol or cannabis, addressing underage vaping requires targeted strategies, something a flavour ban will not solve. Today, on World Vape Day, the CVA reaffirms its support for Health Canada's Youth Vaping Prevention and Education Initiative , which provides free toolkits and online resources for parents, educators, and community leaders to educate youth on vaping risks. The 'I quit for me' program includes a guide for youth as well as a comprehensive Facilitator's guide for group programs A Balanced Path Forward The CVA advocates for policies that: 'Destroying a proven harm reduction tool is not the solution. Canada must continue its progress through smart regulation, not prohibition,' said Sam Tam. 'We call on all stakeholders—health organizations, public health officials, and even tobacco companies—to unite behind Health Canada's youth prevention resources. By aligning under one evidence-based program, we can further reduce youth vaping nationwide.' For youth vaping prevention resources, visit Health Canada's website: . About the Canadian Vaping Association The Canadian Vaping Association is the national voice for the vaping industry, advocating for sensible regulations that balance adult harm reduction with youth protection and education.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadian Vaping Association Highlights Plans to Reduce Youth Vaping Rates on World Vape Day
Ottawa, ON, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On World Vape Day, the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) celebrates the continued decline in youth vaping rates, as reported in Statistics Canada's 2025 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (published March 26, 2025). This progress (achieved without flavour bans) demonstrates the success of balanced policies that prioritize both youth protection and harm reduction for adult smokers. 'World Vape Day and World No Tobacco Day are pivotal moments to recognize vaping's role in harm reduction and advancing Health Canada's goal of reducing smoking rates to less than 5% by 2035,' said Sam Tam, President of the Canadian Vaping Association. With 1.9 million adult vapers in Canada, vaping remains one of the most effective harm reduction tools available. However, recent calls for a nationwide flavour ban, based on misrepresented youth vaping data, threatens to reverse this progress. 'Claims that the industry targets youth with appealing flavours are false and irresponsible. Vape flavour marketing to youth is illegal under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and compliant businesses adhere strictly to these regulations,' Tam emphasized. Evidence from jurisdictions with flavour bans shows such policies fail to reduce youth vaping. Instead, they fuel illicit markets and force former smokers back to combustible cigarettes. Youth Vaping Rates Continue to Decline Statistics Canada data reveals a nearly 50% relative decline in youth vaping since 2019, a trend that contradicts current alarmist narratives. The CVA urges policymakers to focus on enforcement, education, and harm reduction rather than prohibition entirely. Health Canada has indicated the main reasons why youth experiment with vaping is because of peer pressure that stems from school stress, home life and responsibilities, family pressures, social media and desire to fit in and feel accepted by friends. Like underage use of alcohol or cannabis, addressing underage vaping requires targeted strategies, something a flavour ban will not solve. Today, on World Vape Day, the CVA reaffirms its support for Health Canada's Youth Vaping Prevention and Education Initiative, which provides free toolkits and online resources for parents, educators, and community leaders to educate youth on vaping risks. The 'I quit for me' program includes a guide for youth as well as a comprehensive Facilitator's guide for group programs A Balanced Path Forward The CVA advocates for policies that: - Strengthen enforcement against underage sales and illicit products; - Expand youth-focused education on vaping risks; - Preserve flavoured vaping options for adults seeking harm reduction products. 'Destroying a proven harm reduction tool is not the solution. Canada must continue its progress through smart regulation, not prohibition,' said Sam Tam. 'We call on all stakeholders—health organizations, public health officials, and even tobacco companies—to unite behind Health Canada's youth prevention resources. By aligning under one evidence-based program, we can further reduce youth vaping nationwide.' For youth vaping prevention resources, visit Health Canada's website: About the Canadian Vaping Association The Canadian Vaping Association is the national voice for the vaping industry, advocating for sensible regulations that balance adult harm reduction with youth protection and education. CONTACT: Ashley Bouman The Canadian Vaping Association abouman@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
World Vape Day 2025 Marks 20 Years of Tobacco Harm Reduction Progress
World Vape Day 2025 BRUSSELS, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the global vaping community celebrates World Vape Day 2025, highlighting two decades of innovation and scientific advancement in tobacco harm reduction. This year's theme, '20 Years of Facts', underscores the growing body of evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and its role in helping millions of adults quit combustible tobacco. World Vape Day is celebrated one day before World No Tobacco Day, emphasising the importance of evidence-based harm reduction tools in the fight against smoking-related disease. Since the introduction of modern vaping devices in 2003 and their subsequent arrival and uptake in Europe and the US, vaping has become a cornerstone of smoking cessation worldwide. Countries such as Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand, which have embraced tobacco harm reduction policies and ensured access to regulated vaping products, now report record-low smoking rates. Sweden, for example, is poised to become the first smoke-free country in Europe, defined as having fewer than 5% daily smokers—an achievement attributed to widespread acceptance of safer nicotine alternatives. In contrast, nations with restrictive policies continue to lag behind in reducing smoking prevalence. Despite robust scientific consensus, misinformation and regulatory barriers persist. Many health advocates warn that bans and flavour restrictions risk reversing progress by pushing former smokers back to cigarettes. 'Persistent misperceptions about the relative risks of vaping versus smoking remain a significant challenge, with studies showing that a majority of smokers in many countries still believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking,' commented Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance. World Vape Day is a reminder for policymakers, public health officials, and the media to prioritise facts over fear and to recognise the real-world impact and potentials of harm reduction. Advocates stress that an inclusive, evidence-based approach is essential to accelerate progress towards global smoke-free goals and to ensure that adult smokers have access to effective alternatives. For more information, campaign resources, and a full list of 20 facts about vaping and harm reduction, visit Media Contact: Michael Landl World Vapers' Alliance info@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
World Vape Day 2025 Marks 20 Years of Tobacco Harm Reduction Progress
World Vape Day 2025 BRUSSELS, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the global vaping community celebrates World Vape Day 2025, highlighting two decades of innovation and scientific advancement in tobacco harm reduction. This year's theme, '20 Years of Facts', underscores the growing body of evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and its role in helping millions of adults quit combustible tobacco. World Vape Day is celebrated one day before World No Tobacco Day, emphasising the importance of evidence-based harm reduction tools in the fight against smoking-related disease. Since the introduction of modern vaping devices in 2003 and their subsequent arrival and uptake in Europe and the US, vaping has become a cornerstone of smoking cessation worldwide. Countries such as Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand, which have embraced tobacco harm reduction policies and ensured access to regulated vaping products, now report record-low smoking rates. Sweden, for example, is poised to become the first smoke-free country in Europe, defined as having fewer than 5% daily smokers—an achievement attributed to widespread acceptance of safer nicotine alternatives. In contrast, nations with restrictive policies continue to lag behind in reducing smoking prevalence. Despite robust scientific consensus, misinformation and regulatory barriers persist. Many health advocates warn that bans and flavour restrictions risk reversing progress by pushing former smokers back to cigarettes. 'Persistent misperceptions about the relative risks of vaping versus smoking remain a significant challenge, with studies showing that a majority of smokers in many countries still believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking,' commented Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance. World Vape Day is a reminder for policymakers, public health officials, and the media to prioritise facts over fear and to recognise the real-world impact and potentials of harm reduction. Advocates stress that an inclusive, evidence-based approach is essential to accelerate progress towards global smoke-free goals and to ensure that adult smokers have access to effective alternatives. For more information, campaign resources, and a full list of 20 facts about vaping and harm reduction, visit Media Contact: Michael Landl World Vapers' Alliance info@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Scoop
25-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
CAPHRA Condemns WHO's Anti-Science Agenda On World Vape Day
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today challenged the World Health Organization's (WHO) anti-vaping stance as 'scientifically bankrupt,' accusing it of endangering public health by ignoring evidence that safer nicotine products save lives. The rebuke coincides with the upcoming WHO's World No Tobacco Day (30 May), which CAPHRA claims weaponizes misinformation to justify prohibitionist policies. ' The WHO's 'Health For All' mantra rings hollow when it dismisses vaping's life-saving potential,' said Nancy Loucas, CAPHRA's Executive Coordinator. 'Their 2025 theme masks a dangerous agenda: protecting cigarette markets by vilifying harm reduction.' Loucas condemned WHO's exclusion of consumer advocates from COP10 talks, noting: 'Silencing experts while citing debunked 'gateway' theories exposes their fear of facts.' She highlighted stark contrasts: UK youth smoking halved to 3.6% since 2012 under regulated vaping, while Maldives' vaping ban saw youth smoking rise 12%. "Vaping is 95% safer than smoking - a fact repeatedly proven, and has contributed to a fast declining smoking rate in countries where it is regulated - that WHO ignores to appease anti-nicotine ideologues,' Loucas stated. 'This isn't public health. It's prohibitionist theatre that sacrifices smokers' lives.' CAPHRA cited Malaysia's 2024 vaping legalisation, which cut adult smoking 4% in six months, versus Australia's $2.3billion black market under prescription-only rules. 'The WHO equates vaping with smoking, yet 82 million ex-smokers globally prove otherwise,' Loucas said. 'Their 1980s-style fearmongering helps nobody but cigarette traders.' 'This World Vape Day, we demand the WHO stop lying,' Loucas concluded. 'Regulate vaping strictly, educate honestly, and watch smoking collapse. The UK model works. Ideological bans kill.' About CAPHRA CAPHRA Position Statement on Industry Independence: The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates (CAPHRA) is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organisations. CAPHRA is not related to, or funded by any commercial interests. It is composed of volunteer consumer advocates from the Asia Pacific Region. We hope putting forward this information would clarify any doubt as to our interests and intentions. CAPHRA stays committed to its mission to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use. We advocate for the rights of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region to access and use evidence-based, regulated, and properly marketed harm reduction products as a means of reducing the devastating impact of smoking-related diseases.
