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February, 2016:

There are 16 types of cancer caused by smoking

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Plymouth shops fail e-cig children test

http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/update/2016-02-29/plymouth-shops-fail-e-cig-children-test/

Nearly two-thirds of shops in Plymouth failed a Trading Standards test and sold e-cigs to children.

New laws were introduced last year which made it illegal to sell e-cigarettes to children, but nine out of fifteen shops failed when Trading Standards checked to see if this was being applied.

Shops can be fined up to £2,500, but on this occasion they were let off.

While most people who use E Cigarettes are adults who use them to help to cut down on smoking tobacco – we do need to ensure that children are protected from nicotine, which most e-cigs do contain and which is a highly addictive substance. We asked pupils in year 10 if they had ever used an E Cigarette – and 18 per cent of them replied that they had done so, so this is a very real concern for Plymouth.

The law was changed last year to protect young people and we want to work with retailers in the first instance to raise their awareness of their legal obligations. We will not be taking any formal action on this occasion but do intend to carry out further tests in the future.

– CLLR PHILIPPA DAVEY

Horror as father left with severe burns after e-cig battery EXPLODES ‘like a ROCKET’

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/648574/E-cig-burns-battery-explodes-burns

THIS is the horrific moment an e-cig battery exploded “like a rocket” in a man’s pocket – just inches from his seven-year-old son.

The 47-year-old spent 10 days in hospital

The 47-year-old spent 10 days in hospital

Mick Bennett, 47, was severely burned and spent 10 days in Wythenshawe Hospital, needing skin grafts.

He has also lost some feeling in his leg due to nerve damage.

Mr Bennett, from Bamford, Rochdale, had been skating around Bury Roller Rink with two of his children when the battery “went off”.

Mick was with his youngest son at the time the battery exploded

Mick was with his youngest son at the time the battery exploded

Mr Bennett said: “I’d been picking my son up the whole time as he kept falling over, that explosion could’ve been in his face.

“I’d taken a day off work to take my eldest and youngest rollerskating as my wife Rosemary needed to work.

“The battery wasn’t even on, I don’t know what happened, it just went off like a Roman candle or something.

“The lights came on and the music went off – people were just staring at me, and then the manager ran over to see if I was okay.”

Mr Bennett said the battery 'went off like a Roman candle'

Mr Bennett said the battery ‘went off like a Roman candle’

Mr Bennett said his trousers had melted and were smouldering and he also ended up with burns to his hands from trying to put out the flames.

He now has to attend hospital every two days for his burns to be redressed.

He added: “It was a nightmare, I was in shock and the kids were just silent, they were terrified.

The 47-year-old needed skin grafts and has suffered nerve damage

The 47-year-old needed skin grafts and has suffered nerve damage

“These things shouldn’t be able to just go off like that. I’ve been onto trading standards as well as the remains of the battery is now with them.”

Mick has now sought legal advice from Manchester-based Carter and Carter Solicitors.

He added: “It was a scary experience. I turned to e-cigs two years ago to quit smoking. Since this happened I haven’t touched one and certainly don’t intend to.”

Watch moment e-cig explodes in man’s pocket

http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/29/watch-moment-e-cig-explodes-in-mans-pocket-5725207/

This is the moment an e-cig battery explodes in a man’s pocket just inches from his seven-year-old son.

Mick Bennett, 47, was severely burned and spent 10 days in Wythenshawe Hospital, needing skin grafts.

He has also lost some feeling in his leg due to nerve damage.

Mick, from Bamford, Rochdale, had been skating around Bury Roller Rink with two of his children when the battery ‘went off like a rocket’.

You can seen in the video how the electrician was going to take the hand of his youngest son Michael when his pocket all of a sudden combusted.

Michael Bennett from Bamford, Rochdale, was in hospital for 10 days and needed skin grafts after an ecig battery exploded in his pocket while he was at a roller skating rink with his children. The explosion was caught on camera.

Michael Bennett from Bamford, Rochdale, was in hospital for 10 days and needed skin grafts after an ecig battery exploded in his pocket while he was at a roller skating rink with his children. The explosion was caught on camera.

Mick said: ‘I’d been picking my son up the whole time as he kept falling over, that explosion could’ve been in his face.

‘I’d taken a day off work to take my eldest and youngest rollerskating as my wife Rosemary needed to work.

‘The battery wasn’t even on, I don’t know what happened, it just went off like a Roman candle or something.

‘The lights came on and the music went off – people were just staring at me, and then the manager ran over to see if I was okay.’

Michael Bennett from Bamford, Rochdale, was in hospital for 10 days and needed skin grafts after an ecig battery exploded in his pocket while he was at a roller skating rink with his children. The explosion was caught on camera.

Michael Bennett from Bamford, Rochdale, was in hospital for 10 days and needed skin grafts after an ecig battery exploded in his pocket while he was at a roller skating rink with his children. The explosion was caught on camera.

Mick said his trousers had melted and were smouldering and he also ended up with burns to his hands from trying to put out the flames.

He now has to attend hospital every two days for his burns to be re-dressed.

‘It was a nightmare, I was in shock and the kids were just silent, they were terrified,’ he added.

‘These things shouldn’t be able to just go off like that. I’ve been onto trading standards as well as the remains of the battery is now with them.’

Mick has now sought legal advice from Manchester-based Carter and Carter Solicitors.

Michael Bennett from Bamford, Rochdale, was in hospital for 10 days and needed skin grafts after an ecig battery exploded in his pocket while he was at a roller skating rink with his children. The explosion was caught on camera.

Michael Bennett from Bamford, Rochdale, was in hospital for 10 days and needed skin grafts after an ecig battery exploded in his pocket while he was at a roller skating rink with his children. The explosion was caught on camera.

Why e-cigarettes are exploding

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-e-cigarettes-are-exploding-2016-02-29

Some e-cigarette users are seeing their devices go up in smoke.

There have been numerous local media reports of exploding electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, in recent months from devices exploding in users’ pockets, while charging and in people’s faces. A hospital in Seattle reports that e-cigarette injuries used to be a rare occurrence, but now it is seeing at least one patient a month from e-cigarette-related injuries, according to local media. The increasing frequency of these explosions has led the Transportation Department to ban the devices from checked baggage in airlines and has renewed calls for federal regulation of the industry.

Since they became available for purchase in 2007, e-cigarettes — devices that vaporize nicotine-based liquids — have become increasingly popular among teenagers and tobacco smokers trying to quit. One in four high-school students reported having used an e-cigarette in 2014, with one in eight saying they had smoked one in the last 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. E-cigarette sales were expected to hit $1.5 billion in 2015, according to Wells Fargo, with the market for vaporizing products — which includes e-cigarettes — reaching $10 billion by the end of 2018.

Like hoverboards, e-cigarettes are powered by a lithium ion battery, which contains electrolytes that can combust when overheated. These batteries are also present in cellphones and laptops, and there have been rare incidents when these devices have overheated and caught fire. However, because of the cylindrical shape of e-cigarettes, either the battery, the device itself or both are propelled when the battery overheats, causing an explosion and increasing the likelihood for the fire to spread, according to a 2014 report by the U.S. Fire Administration.

The agency examined 25 media reports of exploding e-cigarettes between 2009 and 2014: 80% of the incidents occurred while the device was charging and two exploded while in the user’s mouth, causing serious injury.

Most of these incidents are cases of consumers using batteries or chargers not specifically intended for e-cigarettes, says Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association. “When used and charged properly, [e-cigarettes] pose no more of a fire risk than other products that use lithium ion batteries,” he says. Simpler e-cigarettes that don’t require the user to charge the battery outside of the device pose a lower risk of combustion, he says. “It’s a remote risk that is almost entirely avoidable,” Conley adds says.

Another way e-cigarettes mirror the fledgling hoverboard market is the lack of industrywide safety regulations governing manufacturers or a regulatory body to enforce safety standards. The Food and Drug Administration has proposed an extension of its authority over tobacco products to include vaporizing devices, such as e-cigarettes. While the initial proposed regulations cover health concerns, the agency says increased authority will allow it to study the devices and issue further rulings. The Underwriters Laboratories, an independent organization that consults consumer product businesses on safety standards, has developed a set of standards for lithium ion batteries in certain products, but not e-cigarettes specifically.

Public opinion appears to support the FDA. Nearly 60% of 3,000 Americans surveyed said e-cigarettes should be regulated like tobacco products, according to an NPR poll released in December.

The FDA has previously found that e-cigarettes vary widely in reliability and quality, and didn’t always do what they said on the package. The AVA, however, maintains its stance that it doesn’t require such oversight. “The FDA has no regulatory authority over devices that don’t include nicotine,” Conley says.

A million times more harmful than outdoor air: Hong Kong study raises e-cigarette cancer alarm

Health council urges ban on the electronic devices after Baptist University study finds more risks

Electronic cigarettes were found to contain one million times more cancer-causing substances than outdoor air in a study by Baptist University.

Researchers also discovered a type of flame retardant that affected the reproductive system and could lead to cancer – the first such discovery in e-cigarettes.

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, which commissioned the study, called for a ban on e-cigarettes as soon as possible before they become more popular.

In analysing 13 types of e-cigarettes bought on the market, researchers found that the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – a by-product of burning petroleum that is commonly detected in roadside air – ranged from 2.9 to 504.5 nanograms per millilitre.

The substance, which contains highly carcinogenic chemicals such as benzo(a)pryene, also carries various kinds of chemicals that promote growth of cancer cells.

“[Level of PAHs] in e-cigarettes is at least one million times more than roadside air in Hong Kong,” said Dr Chung Shan-shan, assistant professor in the university’s biology department.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs), a flame retardant used extensively in furniture and electronic products, were detected in a range of 1.7 to 1,490ng/ml in the 13 brands of e-cigarettes.

That level was much higher than in two samples of conventional cigarettes used in the study, which ranged from 5.6 to 6.3ng/ml.

The chemical reduces the risk of burning in the plastic combustible component of e-cigarettes.

But PBDEs disrupt the thyroid hormone and cause toxicity of the reproductive development.

“Even though we don’t know the exact number of e-cigarettes one should take, not to mention that many of the carcinogenic effects are cumulative, I don’t think there is a safe margin,” said Chung, adding that the situation was worrying.

While the packaging of the tested e-cigarettes either claimed they contained zero nicotine or did not mention nicotine, they actually containted a level ranging from 3.5 to 28.5 ng/ml.

Adding to the concern, a University of Hong Kong study, commissioned by the council, found that 7.9 per cent of smokers aged 15 to 29 had used e-cigarettes, significantly higher than other age groups.

The study, done between April and October last year, interviewed 5,252 people. Some 68 per cent did not know what they were inhaling.

As 16 countries have fully banned the sales, advertising, import, distribution and manufacturing of e-cigarettes, the council’s chairman, Antonio Kwong Cho-shing, urged legislation to enforce a total ban as soon as possible.

The Food and Health Bureau earlier stated the possibility of legislation would be reviewed, it was not clear when the regulation would go into effect.
________________________________________
Source URL: http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/1918571/million-times-more-harmful-outdoor-air-hong-kong

Enact Total Ban on E-cigarettes Promptly

http://smokefree.hk/en/content/web.do?page=news20160229

The global sales of electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”) surged exponentially in a few years by 170-fold to a total of US$3.5 billion in 2015 while its prevalence among youngsters also increased significantly in the U.S. and European countries. In Hong Kong, a wide variety of e-cigarettes are easily accessible and the potential health risk should not be underrated. COSH has serious concern on the spread of e-cigarettes and in March 2015, advocated a total ban on e-cigarettes.

Since most e-cigarettes in the market do not provide information on their components, COSH commissioned a laboratory test by Hong Kong Baptist University. COSH Chairman Antonio KWONG remarked, “COSH was pleased that the Government has adopted the recommendation and is currently working on the details of the legislation to ban e-cigarettes completely. The test results showed the quality of e-cigarettes varied and carcinogens and other harmful substances were found. To nip it in the bud and protect public health, we urge the Government to totally ban e-cigarettes promptly.”

COSH commissioned Hong Kong Baptist University to carry out a laboratory test on the components of thirteen e-cigarettes in the market from October 2015 to February 2016. The test confirmed the e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals including formaldehyde, glycerin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (“PAHs”) and poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (“PBDEs”). Formaldehyde and PAHs are known carcinogens that are hazardous to health. Significant variance in the components of e-cigarettes was found even in the same batch of the same brand. Dr CHUNG Shan-shan, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biology of Hong Kong Baptist University pointed out, “PBDEs, effective flame retardants extensively used in electronic products, were first discovered in e-cigarettes. We believe that PBDEs were added to reduce the rate of combustion of the combustible component in e-cigarettes, e.g. plastics. Inhalation of PBDEs has been associated with thyroid hormone disruption, reduction of fertility, affect fetal development and can cause cancers.”

The School of Public Health of The University of Hong Kong was commissioned by COSH to conduct the Tobacco Control Policy-related Survey 2015 to monitor prevalence of e-cigarette use and measure public opinion on its ban in Hong Kong. Public Opinion Programme of The University of Hong Kong was commissioned to interview over 5,000 respondents, including 1,834 never smokers, 1,712 ex-smokers and 1,706 current smokers, from April to October 2015.

The survey found that 85.4% of respondents had heard of e-cigarettes compared to 75.4% in 2014. Around 0.9% of respondents had ever used e-cigarettes. It was also found that the main reason for e-cigarette use was not to aid smoking cessation and 68% of users did not know what they inhaled. Although only 0.2% of respondents had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, the rate (7.9%) among young current smokers aged 15 to 29 years was significantly higher than that of current smokers aged 30 years or above. Besides, majority of respondents supported various regulatory measures on e-cigarettes including restrict sale to minors (93.7%), ban the use at smoke-free areas (81.4%), restrict sale of non-nicotine e-cigarettes (81.2%), regulate e-cigarettes as cigarettes (79.4%) and ban e-cigarettes publicity and ads (70.8%). Over half of the respondents (53.5%) supported all of these regulatory measures.

Prof LAM Tai-hing, Chair Professor of Community Medicine and Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong said, “We are concerned about the prevalence of e-cigarette use among youngsters, which was higher than that in adults. With reference to the experiences of U.S. and European countries, partial regulations or delay in legislation may cause a surge in the rate of youngsters using e-cigarettes. A total ban should be enforced promptly to prevent an epidemic of its use especially in children and young people.”

A wide variety of e-cigarettes are now available in Hong Kong via various sale channels and are mainly targeting the youngsters. However, most of them do not provide details on their components nor carry any health warnings. Some e-cigarettes are even marketed as “healthy”, “non-carcinogenic”, “non-toxic”, “safe” or ”no harm” which mislead consumers. Users inhale unknown substances will bring potential health risks.

The safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid are unknown. Insufficient evidence has been identified so far to support the claim that e-cigarettes help smokers kick the habit, says the World Health Organization (WHO). At least 16 countries have imposed a total ban on e-cigarettes, including Singapore, Thailand and Brazil, which is a global trend. COSH urges the Government to enact a total ban on the sales, advertising, promotion and sponsorship, distribution, import and manufacturing of e-cigarettes in Hong Kong promptly. In the meantime, COSH will spare no effort in publicity and education to prevent its epidemic and stop it from becoming the gateway to youth smoking in Hong Kong.

COSH urges the Government to enact total ban on e-cigarettes promptly to prevent its epidemic and stop it from becoming the gateway to youth smoking in Hong Kong.

COSH urges the Government to enact total ban on e-cigarettes promptly to prevent its epidemic and stop it from becoming the gateway to youth smoking in Hong Kong.

Carcinogens and other harmful substances which can bring potential health risks were found in e-cigarettes in the laboratory test.

Carcinogens and other harmful substances which can bring potential health risks were found in e-cigarettes in the laboratory test.

Immediate ban of e-cigarettes urged

http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1245450-20160229.htm

The Council on Smoking and Health (Cosh) on Monday called for an immediate ban on e-cigarettes, highlighting its danger through two separate studies.

In one study, it found at least two cancer causing chemicals in 13 of the e-cigarette brands available in the market. The test, carried out by the Baptist University, found harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and PAHs – both known carcinogens – in these brands.

Dr Chung Shan-shan from the university’s biology department said these chemicals pose a high degree of risk to its users.

The second study found more young people make a major section of e-cigarette users. Cosh urged the government to enact a total ban on the device as soon as possible, before the situation gets worse.

British American Tobacco accused of corporate espionage in South Africa

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/british-american-tobacco-accused-of-corporate-espionage-in-south-africa-a6900731.html

Fresh international accusations emerge against tobacco giant

Lawyers investigating bribery and corruption allegations against one of the world’s leading tobacco firms have been urged to expand their investigation after fresh international accusations emerged.

British American Tobacco, BAT, has been accused of corporate espionage against rival cigarette makers in South Africa.

According to court documents seen by The Independent on Sunday, two former police officers who went to work for private corporate investigation companies paid cash to South African law enforcement officials to disrupt BAT’s competitors’ business operations.

The accusations have been made in court documents filed by a body representing small local tobacco producers in a complaint to the South African government’s Competition Commission. The affidavits say BAT officials instructed the men to disrupt rivals’ trade by falsely suggesting they were marketing and selling cigarettes unlawfully. The aim, often successful, was to get rivals’ stock impounded and discourage wholesalers from dealing with rival firms.

The South African claims follow bribery allegations, first revealed by the IoS and the BBC, in a dossier of claims passed to the UK’s Serious Fraud Office by Paul Hopkins, a BAT whistleblower who worked in Africa for BAT for 13 years before being made redundant.

Mr Hopkins – responsible for stopping the illicit tobacco trade in East and Central Africa – said he facilitated payments on BAT’s account to cripple anti-smoking laws in several East African countries, payments to officials to undermine efforts by the World Health Organisation to reduce deaths from smoking, ran a corporate spying operation, and conducted “black ops” to put rivals out of business.

After his claims, members of the US Congress called for a Department of Justice investigation.

Last week Nicandro Durante, head of BAT, announced that the lawyers Linklaters had been appointed by the firm to investigate the corruption allegations in East Africa. BAT’s critics said last night that this investigation should be extended to cover the fresh South African claims as well.

BAT insists the company does not “tolerate corruption in our business anywhere in the world” and says its policy “is to take all appropriate action” on any allegation.

Florida woman’s e-cig explodes, causes fire in car

http://abc7chicago.com/news/florida-womans-e-cig-explodes-causes-fire-in-car/1222143/

A Florida woman is recovering Saturday after an e-cigarette exploded and caused her car to go up in flames.

Cassandra Koziol said she was sitting in her car and pushed the button on her e-cig to get a puff of smoke. That when it exploded and set the car on fire.

“I felt an impact in my face,” Koziol said. “I let go and I saw sparks fly off into the passenger side.”

Koziol has severe burns and lost two teeth as a result of the fire.

She said she never had any problems with e-cigarettes until Friday night and still doesn’t know what caused it to explode