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Nali MC, Purushothaman V, Li Z, Larsen MZ, Cuomo RE, Yang J, Mackey TK. Identification and Characterization of Illegal Sales of Cannabis and Nicotine Delivery Products on Telegram Messaging Platform. Nicotine Tob Res 2024; 26:771-779. [PMID: 38097394 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unregulated and potentially illegal sales of tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis products have been detected on various social media platforms, e-commerce sites, online retailers, and the dark web. New end-to-end encrypted messaging services are popular among online users and present opportunities for marketing, trading, and selling of these products. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis selling activity on the messaging platform Telegram. METHODS The study was conducted in three phases: (1) identifying keywords related to tobacco, nicotine, and cannabis products for purposes of detecting Telegram groups and channel messages; (2) automated data collection from public Telegram groups; and (3) manual annotation and classification of messages engaged in marketing and selling products to consumers. RESULTS Four keywords were identified ("Nicotine," "Vape," "Cannabis," and "Smoke") that yielded 20 Telegram groups with 262 506 active subscribers. Total volume of channel messages was 43 963 unique messages that included 3094 (7.04%) marketing/selling messages. The most commonly sold products in these groups were cannabis-derived products (83.25%, n = 2576), followed by tobacco/nicotine-derived products (6.46%, n = 200), and other illicit drugs (0.77%, n = 24). A variety of marketing tactics and a mix of seller accounts were observed, though most appeared to be individual suppliers. CONCLUSIONS Telegram is an online messaging application that allows for custom group creation and global connectivity, but also includes unregulated activities associated with the sale of cannabis and nicotine delivery products. Greater attention is needed to conduct monitoring and enforcement on these emerging platforms for unregulated and potentially illegal cannabis and nicotine product sales direct-to-consumer. IMPLICATIONS Based on study results, Telegram represents an emerging platform that enables a robust cannabis and nicotine-selling marketplace. As local, state, and national tobacco control regulations continue to advance sales restrictions and bans at the retail level, easily accessible and unregulated Internet-based channels must be further assessed to ensure that they do not act as conduits for exposure and access to unregulated or illegal cannabis and nicotine products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Nali
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Vidya Purushothaman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zhuoran Li
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Meng Zhen Larsen
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Raphael E Cuomo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Yang
- Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, CA, USA
| | - Tim K Mackey
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Policy and Data Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
- Global Health Program, Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Halas G, Schultz ASH, Rothney J, Wener P, Holmqvist M, Cohen B, Kosowan L, Enns JE, Katz A. A Scoping Review of Foci, Trends, and Gaps in Reviews of Tobacco Control Research. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:599-612. [PMID: 30715468 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of disease associated with tobacco use has prompted a substantial increase in tobacco-related research, but the breadth of this literature has not been comprehensively examined. This review examines the nature of the research addressing the action areas in World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the populations targeted and how equity-related concepts are integrated. METHOD A scoping review of published reviews addressing tobacco control within the primary prevention domain. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Educational Resources Information Centre, and PsycInfo from 2004 to 2018. RESULTS The scoping review of reviews offered a "birds-eye-view" of the tobacco control literature. Within the 681 reviews meeting inclusion criteria, there was a strong focus on smoking cessation targeting individuals; less attention has been given to product regulation, packaging, and labeling or sales to minors. Equity-related concepts were addressed in 167/681 (24.5%); few were focused on addressing inequity through structural and systemic root causes. CONCLUSION This analysis of foci, trends, and gaps in the research pursuant to the FCTC illustrated the particular action areas and populations most frequently addressed in tobacco control research. Further research is needed to address: (1) underlying social influences, (2) particular action areas and with specific populations, and (3) sustained tobacco use through the influence of novel marketing and product innovations by tobacco industry. IMPLICATIONS This scoping review of the breadth of tobacco control research reviews enables a better understanding of which action areas and target populations have been addressed in the research. Our findings alongside recommendations from other reviews suggest prioritizing further research to support policymaking and considering the role of the tobacco industry in circumventing tobacco control efforts. The large amount of research targeting individual cessation would suggest there is a need to move beyond a focus on individual choice and decontextualized behaviors. Also, given the majority of reviews that simply recognize or describe disparity, further research that integrates equity and targets various forms of social exclusion and discrimination is needed and may benefit from working in collaboration with communities where programs can be tailored to need and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle Halas
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Annette S H Schultz
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Janet Rothney
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Pamela Wener
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Maxine Holmqvist
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Benita Cohen
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Leanne Kosowan
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jennifer E Enns
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Alan Katz
- Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Berg CJ, Bar-Zeev Y, Levine H. Informing iQOS Regulations in the United States: A Synthesis of What We Know. SAGE OPEN 2020; 10:10.1177/2158244019898823. [PMID: 32719733 PMCID: PMC7384757 DOI: 10.1177/2158244019898823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The tobacco industry offers various products, including heated tobacco products (HTPs). Philip Morris International's (PMI) "iQOS" has the greatest HTP market share, as well as research on its use and impact. iQOS was released in 2014 and is now in more than 40 countries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced permission for PMI to sell iQOS in the United States in April 2019, and iQOS was launched in October 2019. Decisions pending its modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) application will occur subsequently. The U.S. regulatory efforts regarding iQOS could be informed by examining (a) Philip Morris USA other product marketing efforts and (b) the iQOS market in countries where it is available. This article briefly addresses these two points with extant literature and suggests that future research should address important gaps in what is currently known, including strategic international collaborations and research, which historically has been critical for advancing tobacco control globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla J. Berg
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
- Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Abstract
Communication regulatory science is an emerging field that uses validated techniques, tools, and models to inform regulatory actions that promote optimal communication outcomes and benefit the public. In the opening article to this special issue on communication and tobacco regulatory science, we 1) describe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of tobacco products in the US; 2) introduce communication regulatory science and provide examples in the tobacco regulatory science realm; and 3) describe the special issue process and final set of articles. Communication research on tobacco regulatory science is a burgeoning area of inquiry, and this work advances communication science, informs and potentially guides the FDA, and may help to withstand legal challenges brought by the tobacco industry. This research has the potential to have a major impact on the tobacco epidemic and population health by helping implement the most effective communications to prevent tobacco initiation and increase cessation. This special issue provides an example of 10 studies that exemplify tobacco regulatory science and demonstrate how the health communication field can affect regulation and benefit public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth M. Noar
- School of Media and Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Center for Regulatory Research on Tobacco Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Joseph N. Cappella
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania
- Penn Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Simani Price
- Coordinating Center for Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science, Rockville, Maryland
- Westat, Rockville, Maryland
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Hinton A, Nagaraja HN, Cooper S, Wewers ME. Tobacco product transition patterns in rural and urban cohorts: Where do dual users go? Prev Med Rep 2018; 12:241-244. [PMID: 30377574 PMCID: PMC6205333 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Understanding diverse tobacco product consumption represents a crucial area for tobacco regulatory science. With the increase in dual/poly use of tobacco products, transition patterns among exclusive and dual users are of considerable interest. We describe transition patterns of dual users over 18 months. Methods A cohort of 145 adults in urban and rural Ohio who reported dual tobacco product use at least some days/week was enrolled during 2014–17. Participants completed follow-up interviews every six months where they were classified into one of five categories: 1) exclusive combustible, 2) exclusive smokeless, 3) exclusive e-cigarette, 4) dual (at least 2 of the previous 3 categories), and 5) less than some days/week. Participants categorized as exclusive and dual (1–4) used their products at least some days per week. Separately within the rural and urban cohorts, 6, 12, and 18 month transition probabilities between the categories were estimated. Results The probability of remaining a dual user after 6 months is 43% in the rural and 37% in the urban cohort. The decline continues through 18 months with 24% of rural and 22% of urban dual users remaining in the category. The probability of a dual user consuming combustibles and e-cigarettes transitioning to exclusive combustible use in 6 months is over 50% in both the rural and urban cohorts. Conclusions Dual use is an unstable state with users being more likely to transition to exclusive combustible use than to remain in the dual use category. Transitions are similar in the rural and urban cohorts. Exclusive tobacco users remain loyal to their product category over time. Dual tobacco users often transition to the use of an exclusive category. Tobacco product transition patterns are similar between rural and urban cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hinton
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, Columbus, OH, USA.,The Ohio State University Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Haikady N Nagaraja
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, Columbus, OH, USA.,The Ohio State University Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Cooper
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Health Behavior & Health Promotion, Columbus, OH, USA.,The Ohio State University Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Wewers
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Division of Health Behavior & Health Promotion, Columbus, OH, USA.,The Ohio State University Center of Excellence in Regulatory Tobacco Science, Columbus, OH, USA
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Abstract
Objectives Identifying characteristics associated with the use of new and emerging tobacco products is a priority. The enumeration and baseline characteristics of a new cohort of adult tobacco users are described. Methods Residents, ≥18 years of age, in urban Franklin County, or one of 6 rural Appalachian counties, and who were exclusive users of combustible, smokeless (SLT), or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) tobacco products, or were dual users, were targeted for recruitment. Participants were interviewed in-person at baseline on sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco product use, and cognitive/affective and purchasing factors. Results We recruited 1210 participants (urban, N = 595; rural, N = 615). Urban participants were less likely to use tobacco daily, began using tobacco later, used tobacco for less time, and had higher cessation interest. ENDS users were significantly less likely to have made a quit attempt than users of other tobacco products. Duration of tobacco use and nicotine dependence also differed by product type. Conclusion This cohort's enumeration allowed us to compare factors associated with tobacco product preferences and the use of novel products. The inclusion of rural Appalachia-a region with high tobacco use and disease burden-may provide additional insights into the implementation of tobacco control interventions.
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Pepper JK, Byron MJ, Ribisl KM, Brewer NT. How hearing about harmful chemicals affects smokers' interest in dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Prev Med 2017; 96:144-148. [PMID: 28024860 PMCID: PMC5329070 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Substantial harm could result from concurrent cigarette and e-cigarette use (i.e., dual use) were it to undermine smoking cessation. Perceptions of chemical exposure and resulting harms may influence dual use. We conducted a probability-based phone survey of 1164 U.S. adult cigarette smokers in 2014-2015 and analyzed results in 2016. In a between-subjects experiment, smokers heard a hypothetical scenario in which cigarettes and e-cigarettes had the same amount of harmful chemicals or cigarettes had more chemicals than e-cigarettes (10× more, 100× more, or chemicals were present only in cigarettes). Smokers indicated how the scenario would change their interest in dual use and perceived health harms. Few smokers (7%) who heard that the products have the same amount of chemicals were interested in initiating or increasing dual use. However, more smokers were interested when told that cigarettes have 10× more chemicals than e-cigarettes (31%), 100× more chemicals than e-cigarettes (32%), or chemicals were present only in cigarettes (43%) (all p<.001). Individuals told that cigarettes have more chemicals were more likely than those in the "same amount" scenario to perceive that cigarettes would be more harmful than e-cigarettes (79% vs. 41%, OR=5.41, 95% CI=4.08-7.17). These harm perceptions partially explained the relationship between chemical scenario and dual use interest. Smokers associated higher chemical amounts in cigarettes versus e-cigarettes with greater health harms from cigarettes and thus expressed increased interest in dual use. The findings suggest that disclosing amounts of chemicals in cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosol could unintentionally encourage dual use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Pepper
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Rosenau Hall, CB#7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; RTI International, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - M Justin Byron
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Rosenau Hall, CB#7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kurt M Ribisl
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Rosenau Hall, CB#7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Noel T Brewer
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Drive, Rosenau Hall, CB#7440, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, 101 Manning Drive, CB#7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Brewer NT, Hall MG, Lee JGL, Peebles K, Noar SM, Ribisl KM. Testing warning messages on smokers' cigarette packages: a standardised protocol. Tob Control 2016; 25:153-9. [PMID: 25564282 PMCID: PMC4492886 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-051661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lab experiments on cigarette warnings typically use a brief one-time exposure that is not paired with the cigarette packs smokers use every day, leaving open the question of how repeated warning exposure over several weeks may affect smokers. This proof of principle study sought to develop a new protocol for testing cigarette warnings that better reflects real-world exposure by presenting them on cigarette smokers' own packs. METHODS We tested a cigarette pack labelling protocol with 76 US smokers ages 18 and older. We applied graphic warnings to the front and back of smokers' cigarette packs. RESULTS Most smokers reported that at least 75% of the packs of cigarettes they smoked during the study had our warnings. Nearly all said they would participate in the study again. Using cigarette packs with the study warnings increased quit intentions (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a feasible pack labelling protocol with six steps: (1) schedule appointments at brief intervals; (2) determine typical cigarette consumption; (3) ask smokers to bring a supply of cigarette packs to study appointments; (4) apply labels to smokers' cigarette packs; (5) provide participation incentives at the end of appointments; and (6) refer smokers to cessation services at end of the study. When used in randomised controlled trials in settings with real-world message exposure over time, this protocol may help identify the true impact of warnings and thus better inform tobacco product labelling policy. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT02247908.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel T. Brewer
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marissa G. Hall
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Joseph G. L. Lee
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn Peebles
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Seth M. Noar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kurt M. Ribisl
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Combes RD, Balls M. A critical assessment of the scientific basis, and implementation, of regulations for the safety assessment and marketing of innovative tobacco-related products. Altern Lab Anim 2015; 43:251-90. [PMID: 26375889 DOI: 10.1177/026119291504300406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Our scientific, logistical, ethical and animal welfare-related concerns about the latest US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for existing and so-called 'new' tobacco products, aimed at reducing harmful exposures, are explained. Such claims for sales in the USA now have to be based on a wide range of information, a key part of which will increasingly be data on safety and risk. One of the pathways to achieve marketing authorisation is to demonstrate substantial equivalence (SE) with benchmark products, called predicates. However, the regulations are insufficiently transparent with regard to: a) a rationale for the cut-off date for 'old' and 'new' products, and for exempting the former from regulation; b) the scientific validity and operation of SE; c) options for product labelling to circumvent SE; d) the experimental data required to support, and criteria to judge, a claim; and e) a strategy for risk assessment/management. Scientific problems related to the traditional animal methods used in respiratory disease and inhalation toxicology, and the use of quantitative comparators of toxicity, such as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level, are discussed. We review the advantages of relevant in vitro, mechanism-based, target tissue-oriented technologies, which an advisory report of the Institute of Medicine of the US National Academy of Sciences largely overlooked. These benefits include: a) the availability, for every major site in the respiratory tract, of organotypic human cell-based tissue culture systems, many of which are already being used by the industry; b) the accurate determination of concentrations of test materials received by target cells; c) methods for exposure to particulate and vapour phases of smoke, separately or combined; d) the ability to study tissue-specific biotransformation; and e) the use of modern, human-focused methodologies, unaffected by species differences. How data extrapolation, for risk assessment, from tissue culture to the whole animal, could be addressed, is also discussed. A cost (to animal welfare)-benefit (to society, including industry and consumers) analysis was conducted, taking into account the above information; the potential for animal suffering; the extensive data already available; the existence of other, less hazardous forms of nicotine delivery; the fact that much data will be generated solely for benchmarking; and that many smokers (especially nicotine-dependents) ignore health warnings. It is concluded that, in common with policies of several tobacco companies and countries, the use of laboratory animals for tobacco testing is very difficult, if not impossible, to justify. Instead, we propose and argue for an integrated testing scheme, starting with extensive chemical analysis of the ingredients and by-products associated with the use of tobacco products and their toxicity, followed by use of in vitro systems and early clinical studies (involving specific biomarkers) with weight-of-evidence assessments at each stage. Appropriate adjustment factors could be developed to enable concentration-response data obtained in vitro, with the other information generated by the strategy, to enable the FDA to meet its objectives. It is hoped that our intentionally provocative ideas will stimulate further debate on this contentious area of regulatory testing and public safety.
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Abstract
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration power to regulate tobacco products. This commentary calls for immediate regulation of the carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in cigarette tobacco as a logical path to cancer prevention. NNK and NNN, powerful carcinogens in laboratory animals, have been evaluated as "carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. NNK and NNN are present in the tobacco of virtually all marketed cigarettes; levels in cigarette smoke are directly proportional to the amounts in tobacco. The NNK metabolite NNAL, itself a strong carcinogen, is present in the urine of smokers and nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Some of the highest levels of NNK and NNN are found in U.S. products. It is well established that factors such as choice of tobacco blend, agricultural conditions, and processing methods influence levels of NNK and NNN in cigarette tobacco and cigarette smoke. Therefore, it is time to control these factors and produce cigarettes with 100 ppb or less each of NNK and NNN in tobacco, which would result in an approximate 15- to 20-fold reduction of these carcinogens in the mainstream smoke of popular cigarettes sold in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S Hecht
- Author's Affiliation: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Ashley DL, Backinger CL, van Bemmel DM, Neveleff DJ. Tobacco regulatory science: research to inform regulatory action at the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products. Nicotine Tob Res 2014; 16:1045-9. [PMID: 24638850 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntu038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) promotes the development of regulatory science to ensure that a strong evidence base informs all of its regulatory activities related to the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products as well as public education about tobacco product constituents and effects. Toward that end, the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) provides funding for research studies with scientific aims that fall within its defined regulatory authority. However, given their traditional biomedical focus on basic and applied research, some researchers may not understand the principles of regulatory science or the types of studies CTP funds. The purpose of this paper is (1) to clarify the definition of regulatory science as a distinct scientific discipline, (2) to explore the role of tobacco regulatory science in order to help researchers understand the parameters and types of research that can be funded by CTP, and (3) to describe the types of research efforts that will inform the FDA's public health framework for tobacco product regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Ashley
- Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Cathy L Backinger
- Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Dana M van Bemmel
- Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Deborah J Neveleff
- Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD
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Gregg EO, Minet E, McEwan M. Urinary biomarkers of smokers' exposure to tobacco smoke constituents in tobacco products assessment: a fit for purpose approach. Biomarkers 2013; 18:467-86. [PMID: 23902266 PMCID: PMC3812700 DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2013.821523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are established guidelines for bioanalytical assay validation and qualification of biomarkers. In this review, they were applied to a panel of urinary biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure as part of a "fit for purpose" approach to the assessment of smoke constituents exposure in groups of tobacco product smokers. Clinical studies have allowed the identification of a group of tobacco exposure biomarkers demonstrating a good doseresponse relationship whilst others such as dihydroxybutyl mercapturic acid and 2-carboxy-1-methylethylmercapturic acid - did not reproducibly discriminate smokers and non-smokers. Furthermore, there are currently no agreed common reference standards to measure absolute concentrations and few inter-laboratory trials have been performed to establish consensus values for interim standards. Thus, we also discuss in this review additional requirements for the generation of robust data on urinary biomarkers, including toxicant metabolism and disposition, method validation and qualification for use in tobacco products comparison studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Minet
- British American Tobacco, Group Research & DevelopmentSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael McEwan
- British American Tobacco, Group Research & DevelopmentSouthamptonUnited Kingdom
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Cantrell J, Kreslake JM, Ganz O, Pearson JL, Vallone D, Anesetti-Rothermel A, Xiao H, Kirchner TR. Marketing little cigars and cigarillos: advertising, price, and associations with neighborhood demographics. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:1902-9. [PMID: 23948008 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We have documented little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) availability, advertising, and price in the point-of-sale environment and examined associations with neighborhood demographics. METHODS We used a multimodal real-time surveillance system to survey LCCs in 750 licensed tobacco retail outlets that sold tobacco products in Washington, DC. Using multivariate models, we examined the odds of LCC availability, the number of storefront exterior advertisements, and the price per cigarillo for Black & Mild packs in relation to neighborhood demographics. RESULTS The odds of LCC availability and price per cigarillo decreased significantly in nearly a dose-response manner with each quartile increase in proportion of African Americans. Prices were also lower in some young adult neighborhoods. Having a higher proportion of African American and young adult residents was associated with more exterior LCC advertising. CONCLUSIONS Higher availability of LCCs in African American communities and lower prices and greater outdoor advertising in minority and young adult neighborhoods may establish environmental triggers to smoke among groups susceptible to initiation, addiction, and long-term negative health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cantrell
- Jennifer Cantrell, Jennifer M. Kreslake, Ollie Ganz, Donna Vallone, and Haijun Xiao are with the Research and Evaluation Department, Legacy Foundation, Washington, DC. Jennifer L. Pearson, Andrew Anesetti-Rothermel, and Thomas R. Kirchner are with the Schroeder Institute for Tobacco Research and Policy Studies, Legacy Foundation
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Behm I, Sokol NA, Kennedy RD, Rees VW, Connolly GN. Population use, sales, and design: a multidimensional assessment of "light" cigarettes in the United States, 2009. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:e93-9. [PMID: 23327263 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2012.300950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We compared multiple measures of surveillance of "light" cigarette use, including population use, sales, and design features. Measures were obtained before the 2010 descriptors ban to establish a baseline for future evaluation of the effect of the ban. METHODS We examined light cigarette use, sales, and design using 3 data sets from 2009. We assessed population use using National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. Sales data were drawn from AC Nielsen. We gathered design features, including nicotine concentration, filter ventilation, and weight, from tobacco industry disclosures mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. RESULTS In 2009, 52.7% of smokers self-reported light cigarette use, which accounted for 56.0% of cigarettes sold in the United States. Self-reported light smokers were more likely to be female, White, older, and nondaily smokers. Of design features analyzed, only average filter ventilation differed significantly between light and "full-flavored" cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of the impact of the descriptors ban and any future policies surrounding light cigarettes should use multiple surveillance strategies, including measures of population use, sales, and cigarette design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Behm
- Center for Global Tobacco Control, Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Ashley DL, Backinger CL. The Food and Drug Administration's regulation of tobacco: the Center for Tobacco Products' Office of Science. Am J Prev Med 2012; 43:S255-63. [PMID: 23079225 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David L Ashley
- Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA.
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