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ASH News and Events Bulletin - 01-15 April 2011

HEADLINES

EVENTS

  • NICE consults on smoking cessation guidance

    The National Institute for Health and Clincial Excellence (NICE) is reviewing plans to update the following public health guidance:

    •  Workplace interventions to promote smoking cessation
    • Smoking cessation services in primary care, pharmacies, local authorities and workplaces, particularly for manual working groups, pregnant women and hard to reach communities.

     Registered stakeholders are invited to comment during a two week consultation that runs until 27th April 2011.

    Details of the consultation are available here: http://bit.ly/i3HPjy

    Source: NeLM News - 12 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/ecEEIP

  • Australia unveils tough new cigarette pack rules

    In a move which aims to reduce smoking rates, the Australian government has announced proposed legislation which will require cigarette packets to be covered with graphic health warnings and a bland olive-green colour.

    The Health Minister, Nicola Roxon said, "Olive-green was picked after research showed it was the least attractive colour for smokers, in a bid to prevent tobacco companies trying to market their products by making them look luxurious or cool."

    The move has infuriated tobacco companies, with Imperial Tobacco Australia saying it planned to challenge plain packaging on the grounds that it would impact profits.

    British American Tobacco Australia, meanwhile, said that the proposed legislation, which still needs to be approved by parliament, would infringe international trademark and intellectual property laws.

    Roxon said the government was not scared by legal threats. She said, "The government knows that big tobacco companies are going to fight this. But when you still have 15,000 Australians dying every year because of tobacco-related illnesses caused from smoking, this is a fight it's worth us having.

    She added, "We believe we are on very strong legal grounds. We're not going to have 'big tobacco' scaring us with legal action. We want to make sure that the glamour that might have been attached to smoking in the past is dead and gone."

    ASH Australia link to pictures, Ministers press release and draft legislation: http://bit.ly/ek1ILe

    Further coverage: 

    - Australian government announces proposals to force tobacco companies to use plain green packaging for cigarettes, Daily Mail (includes pictures of the proposed packaging)

    - Australia strips 'glamour' from cigarette packs, London Evening Standard

    - Australia unveils ugly cigarette packets in fight against smoking, Daily Telegraph

    - Australia's cigarette war over shocking pack rules, The Independent

    - Tobacco giants oppose plain packaging, Business Spectator

    - Tobacco industry has much to fear, Sydney Morning Herald (includes phone interview with a representative of the Alliance of Australian Retailers)

    - David Prosser: When will big tobacco decide to give up?, The Independent

    - Plain Packs Will Stop Kids Smoking, Australia, Medical News Today

    Source: AFP - 07 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/fjagGL

  • New Zealand likely to introduce plain tobacco packets

    New Zealand is likely to follow Australia's lead to require tobacco to be sold in plain packaging, Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia says.

    Australian health minister Nicola Roxon has drafted legislation requiring tobacco companies to print their brand name in a specific font.

    If the legislation is passed, cigarette packs would have to be sold in an ugly olive green because research showed this was the least attractive colour for smokers, Ms Roxon has said.

    Source: NZ Herald - 07 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/fjqHiI

  • Background and analysis of the tobacco display regulations

    Local authorities will have a central role in enforcing new regulations banning the display of tobacco products. Robert Botkai, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, explains the background and analyses potential further developments.

    Source: Local Government Lawyer - 07 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/fXrG4s

  • Altadis blames rise in cigarette smuggling in Spain on tax hike

    The sale of smuggled cigarettes in Spain has soared since the government raised the tax rate on tobacco, according to a spokesman for Franco-Spanish tobacco producer Altadis.

    The company estimates smuggled cigarettes accounted for around six percent of Spain's total cigarette consumption during the first three months of the year, compared to just one percent in all of 2010, the spokesman said.

    Altadis is a unit of Britain's Imperial Tobacco Group, Europe's second-biggest tobacco company.

    Source: Expatica - 04 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/eNrTrt

  • BAT to market nicotine without the smokes

    British American Tobacco is setting up a business to commercialise non-tobacco nicotine products that could help wean smokers off its cigarettes.

    BAT’s Nicoventures subsidiary aims to build a substantial consumer business whose earnings could compensate for declining tobacco sales.

    Nicoventures is BAT’s first move on business strategy to be outlined since Nicandro Durante took over as chief executive last month. But it has been in preparation for two or three years under his predecessor Paul Adams.

    The success of Nicoventures will depend on the attitude of regulators such as the MHRA, which will be asked to license its products.

    But BAT may have a hard time winning over anti-tobacco campaigners.

    “This is the latest in a long line of attempts by BAT to give itself an ethical makeover and de-toxify its brand,” said Deborah Arnott, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health. “It will only succeed in doing so when it stops making and marketing smoked products which are highly addictive and kill half all their long-term users.”

    Source: Financial Times - 05 April 2011
    Link: http://on.ft.com/f6xGGH

  • China’s smoking ban: not for lack of trying to prevent it

    Combing through internal company documents, a team of researchers led by the Mayo Clinic has examined how the tobacco industry has worked against tobacco control regulations in China, concluding that cigarette makers launched “a multifaceted strategy for undermining the adoption of restrictions.”

    The main points of this strategy include:

    • Make another health problem look even deadlier.
    • Some smokers are better than no smokers.
    • Give reporters confusing science. 

    .

    Source: The New Yorker - 25 March 2011
    Link: http://nyr.kr/ghpWZf

  • Florida: Longtime smoker wins $300,000 in suit against R.J. Reynolds

    A 77-year-old Daytona Beach woman has won $300,000 in what is likely to be the first verdict against a tobacco company in Central Florida out of thousands of suits filed statewide by ailing, longtime smokers.

    A jury has decided that R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is partly liable for the lung cancer suffered by Stella Koballa. A circuit judge will review the verdict at a future court hearing.

    Source: Orlando Sentinel - 11 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/ebMSbL

  • Industry role in weight control related to smoking

    Abstract

    Background: Smoking is thought to produce an appetite-suppressing effect by many smokers. Thus, the fear of body weight gain often outweighs the perception of health benefits associated with smoking cessation, particularly in adolescents. We examined whether the tobacco industry played a role in appetite and body weight control related to smoking and smoking cessation.

    Methods: We performed a systematic search within the archives of six major US and UK tobacco companies (American Tobacco, Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds, Lorillard, Brown & Williamson and British American Tobacco) that were Defendants in tobacco litigation settled in 1998. Findings are dated from 1949 to 1999.

    Results: The documents revealed the strategies planned and used by the industry to enhance effects of smoking on weight and appetite, mostly by chemical modifications of cigarettes contents. Appetite-suppressant molecules, such as tartaric acid and 2-acetylpyridine were added to some cigarettes.

    Conclusion: These tobacco companies played an active and not disclaimed role in the anti-appetite effects of smoking, at least in the past, by adding appetite-suppressant molecules into their cigarettes.

    Gonseth, S., et al., The tobacco industry's past role in weight control related to smoking, European Journal of Public Health. [Epub ahead of print]

    Source: Oxford Journals - 07 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/dFtUEu

  • Thank you for smoking

    After attending a presentation by British American Tobacco (BAT), financial commentator Chris Gilmour takes a look at BAT's global business model and the tobacco industry's lasting appeal for investors.  

    Source: News Time - 11 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/gNZRC4

  • Tobacco industry: The last gasp - south east Asia

    Using the example of Philippines and Indonesia, the Economist explores why south east Asia presents such growth potential for tobacco companies.

    Indonesia, one of the world’s least regulated markets, is one of few Asian countries not to have ratified the World Health Organisation’s treaty on tobacco control. The Philippines also combines growth with light regulation.

    Tobacco firms also see growth potential in the region’s low rate of women smokers. 

    Source: The Economist - 31 March 2011
    Link: http://econ.st/fqFIDu

  • Impact of smokefree law on smoking prevalence

    Abstract
    Aims: To investigate changes in population smoking prevalence in jurisdictions which have implemented comprehensive smokefree legislation, taking into account long-term trends in smoking behaviour.

    Design: Interrupted time series analysis of population-level survey data using segmented regression.

    Setting: 21 countries, American states or Canadian provinces which have implemented comprehensive smokefree legislation.

    Participants: Respondents sampled in large representative surveys of smoking prevalence.

    Measurements: For each jurisdiction, segmented regression models quantify any upwards or downwards trend in smoking prevalence prior to the introduction of smokefree legislation, any immediate change in the level of smoking prevalence at the time smokefree legislation was introduced, and any change in the trend in smoking prevalence post-legislation compared to the pre-legislation period.

    Findings: In all but three locations there was a statistically significant decline in smoking prevalence prior to the introduction of smokefree legislation. In two locations, Washington and the Republic of Ireland, there was an immediate decline in the level of smoking prevalence at the introduction of legislation. In six American states there was a significant change in the rate of decline in smoking prevalence, with smoking prevalence declining more steeply in the post-legislation period compared to the pre-legislation period. No change in the level or trend of population smoking prevalence was seen in 13 of the 21 locations studied.

    Conclusions: The introduction of comprehensive smokefree legislation increased the rate at which smoking prevalence was declining in some locations, but in the majority of jurisdictions had no measureable impact on existing trends in smoking prevalence.

    Ummulkhulthum, B., et al., Does the introduction of comprehensive smokefree legislation lead to a decrease in population smoking prevalence?, Addiction, Accepted Article (Accepted, unedited articles published online for future issues)

    Source: Wiley Online Library - 25 March 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/hDv5YQ

  • lllicit tobacco and plain packs

    Abstract
    Plain (unbranded) packaging for cigarettes is at the top of the tobacco control agenda in both Australia and Europe. The evidence suggests that it will benefit public health by decreasing the appeal of tobacco products and increasing the power of the health warning. The tobacco industry instead argues that plain packaging would make it easier to counterfeit cigarettes, which would both confuse consumers and reduce price; thereby increasing consumption. Using focus group research we examined young adult smokers (N = 54) perceptions of, and ability to recognize, illicit tobacco and the possible impact of plain packaging on illicit tobacco purchasing behaviour. We found that the pack has no impact on the decision to buy illicit tobacco. Smokers were easily able to identify counterfeit cigarettes, not least by the pack, and buy it knowingly and in the full expectation that it will be inferior in quality. Illicit tobacco purchase, including that for counterfeit tobacco, was instead driven by availability and price. Given the extremely low manufacturing cost, per pack, of certain types of illicit cigarettes, it is difficult to envisage how plain packaging would alter the price of illicit tobacco in any meaningful way. The findings therefore suggest that a move to plain packaging would have no impact on young adult smokers’ purchase behaviour.

    Moodie, C., et al., Young adult smokers’ perceptions of illicit tobacco and the possible impact of plain packaging on purchase behaviour, European  Journal of Public Health (2011) doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckr038 

    Source: Oxford Journals - 26 March 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/hyGHXQ

  • Reductions in smoking after workplace smoking ban - Australia

    Abstract

    Aim: To evaluate changes in staff smoking rates following the implementation of Smoke Free Health Care, an innovative, change-management process that introduced a smoke-free workplace policy in the North Coast Area Health Service of NSW.

    Methods: Survey questionnaires were sent to all staff before and after the introduction of the policy. Return rates were 17.3% (690/3988) in 1999 and 25.4% (2012/7921) in 2007. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine differences.

    Results: Staff smoking rates decreased significantly from 22.3% to 11.8% (p<0.0001). Smoking rates in 1999 were not significantly different to the state population's (22.3% and 24.1%, p=0.3), but were significantly different in 2007 (11.8% and 20.1%, p<0.0001). Over a quarter (27.6%) of staff who smoked when implementation began quit smoking; more than twice the rate before implementation (12%, p<0.0001).

    Conclusion: These changes in staff smoking rates indicate the effectiveness of a comprehensive change-management approach to implementing smoke-free workplace policy.

    Dart, G.S., et al., Reduction in staff smoking rates in North Coast Area Health Service, NSW, following the introduction of a smoke-free workplace policy, New South Wales Public Health Bulletin. 2010 Nov-Dec;21(11-12):263-6.

    Source: Csiro Publishing - 08 March 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/eSxskT

  • Silver, Gold and Slim cigarettes perceived to be less harmful

    A study published in the journal Addiction found that smokers in Western countries continue falsely to believe that some cigarette brands are less harmful than others. 

    The study was based on a poll of 8000 smokers in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the USA.  Approximately one-fifth of those smokers incorrectly believed that "some cigarette brands could be less harmful than others."  In fact, all conventional brands of cigarette present the same level of risk to smokers.

    Smokers base their perceptions of risk on pack colour, believing that 'silver', 'gold' and 'white' brands are less harmful to smoke than 'black' or 'red' brands. 
     
    Smokers in the study also revealed false beliefs that slim cigarettes are less harmful, cigarettes with harsh taste are riskier to smoke than smooth-tasting cigarettes, filters reduce risk, and that nicotine is responsible for most of the cancer caused by cigarettes.
     
    Dr. David Hammond, one of the researchers on the study, says that the study provides evidence for further regulation. "The findings also support the potential benefits of plain packaging regulations that will soon take effect in Australias."
     
    The Addiction article can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/g1p1HC
    Source: Medical Lexicon News - 12 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/gJpDAC

  • Impact of U.S. FDA regulations restricting outdoor cigarette advertising near schools examined

    Using geographical information system (GIS) spatial analysis for the states of Missouri and New York, along with more detailed analyses of the urban areas of St. Louis and New York City, investigators located all tobacco retailers falling with 350-, 500-, and 1000-foot buffer zones around all schools and playgrounds. They determined that 22% of retailers in Missouri and 51% in New York fall within 1,000-foot buffers around schools. In urban settings, more retailers are affected, 29% in St. Louis and 79% in New York City. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that smaller buffers decrease the proportion of affected retailers. 350-foot buffers affect only 6.7% of retailers in St. Louis and 29% in New York City.

    The study concludes that "Tobacco advertising reaches children and adolescents in a variety of ways. Given the effectiveness of tobacco advertising, efforts to restrict the exposure of young people to tobacco advertising is an important health policy goal.

    Source: Science Magazine - 02 April 2011
    Link: http://bit.ly/hHVW6a

Events

  • British American Tobacco (BAT) Annual General Meeting

    Young campaigners from the North West and London will take part in a noise-making event outside BAT's annual general meeting, raising awareness around the company's social responsibility practices and conduct. 

    Date: 28 April 2011
    Venue: Outside The Mermaid Conference & Events Centre, Puddle Dock, Blackfriars, London EC4V 3DB

  • World No Tobacco Day

     World No Tobacco Day 2011 is designed to highlight the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)'s overall importance, to stress Parties' obligations under the treaty and to promote the essential role of the Conference of the Parties and WHO in supporting countries' efforts to meet those obligations. The Conference of the Parties is the treaty's central organ and governing body.

    Date: 31 May 2011
    Contact: http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2011/announcement/en/index.html

  • UK National Smoking Cessation Conference

    Presentations, workshops and debates cover all aspects of the policy and practice of helping smokers to stop. This two-day conference is the leading forum for discussion of evidence based service delivery and community innovations.

    All patient groups are covered, including pregnant smokers, young people, those with mental health problems, in secure environments, and hard to reach groups. Treatment modalities are also comprehensively addressed with presentations describing the state of the art on new medications, forthcoming treatments (like the nicotine vaccine), as well as researchers and practitioners presenting the latest on optimising existing treatments that are known to be effective, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), with results of work looking at combining products and 'pre-loading' prior to quitting.

    Although smoking cessation is the main focus of the conference, tobacco control measures such as smoke free public places and harm reduction are also discussed, particularly in relation to how they impact on services helping people to stop smoking.

    www.uknscc.org

    Date: 13 June 2011
    Venue: Novotel London West, Hammersmith, London
    Contact: 01305 262244, or email updates@uknscc.org

  • Health and Wellbeing – the 21st Century Agenda

    The second international conference organised by the journal Public Health is taking as its theme health and wellbeing. The conference will explore the relationships between health, wellbeing and the factors which influence them in a global environment. 


    website

    Date: 08 September 2011
    Venue: Friends House, 173-177 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ
    Contact: crobins@rsph.org.uk

  • UN Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases

    The Summit will focus on the four most prominent non-communicable diseases, namely, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. The aim of the summit is to agree on a global strategy to address NCDs.

    There will be a High-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on the prevention and control of Non-communicable Diseases (19-20 September 2011), while Non-communicable disease indicators are on the agenda for discussion during the Millennium Development Goals Review Session (20-22 September 2011).

    Date: 19 September 2011
    Venue: New York City, USA
    Contact: http://bit.ly/dOgoW4

  • 14th European Health Forum Gastein

    The EHFG has developed into a key annual event, bringing together, politicians, senior decision-makers, representatives of interest groups, and experts coming from government and administration, business and industry, civil society and science and academia.

    Date: 05 October 2011
    Venue: Salzburg, Austria
    Contact: http://www.ehfg.org/registration.html?&L=0

  • Fiftieth anniversary of RCP report on smoking and health

    To mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of its first report on Smoking and Health in 1962, the Royal College of Physicians is organising a one-day conference.

    Date: 06 March 2012
    Venue: Royal College of Physicians
    Contact: http://events.rcplondon.ac.uk/details.aspx?e=2497

  • 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health

    The premier, international conference on tobacco control attracts thousands of academics, practitioners, non-government organisations and public officials. 

    Date: 20 March 2012
    Venue: Singapore
    Contact: http://wctoh2012.org