GFN•TV: News and Interviews

Episode aired originally on April 21st 2023.

When scientists study the chemistry of smoke versus vapor, they find a massive difference in complexity and measurable effect on the human body. Learn what those differences are in this fascinating interview with a top tobacco scientist.

Featuring: Dr Marina Murphy
Director of Scientific and Medical Affairs, ANDS
Former Head of Scientific Media Relations,
British American Tobacco
@ands_corp

In this episode of the Science Series, Roberto Sussman breaks down why many lab studies on e‑cigarette emissions can’t be trusted—and how bad testing setups can create misleading “high toxin” results. He explains the “optimal regime” for vaping devices (power, resistance, airflow), why reproducibility requires full reporting of test conditions, and how unrealistic puffing machines can cause overheating and artificially inflate byproducts.

The video originally aired on August 4, 2023.

There’s no debate allowed on vaping in Australia, says Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, founding chairman of the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association and practicing tobacco treatment specialist. Tobacco control is “impervious to evidence” and quick to cancel anyone who speaks to the positives of vaping.

Featuring:
Dr Colin Mendelsohn
Founding Chairman Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association
Practising Tobacco Treatment Specialist
@colinmendelsohn

Why have some studies reported enormous amounts of formaldehyde and metals in vaping emissions? In this episode of Science Series with Roberto Sussman, we break down how those scary numbers can come from bad experimental conditions—especially overheating setups that don’t reflect how people actually vape. Roberto explains why “micrograms per puff” can be misleading, how to translate emissions into realistic daily exposure (based on typical puff counts), and how those totals should be compared against toxicological standards published by regulators.

You’ll also hear why properly designed tests tend to find toxic byproducts far below cigarette smoke—and often below common benchmarks, with a reality-check comparison to everyday aerosols and even air pollution exposure.

Governments insist their nicotine policies are “evidence-based.” But a closer look reveals cherry-picked findings, flawed comparisons, and sensational claims that don’t withstand scrutiny. In this GFN interviews, independent tobacco scientist Dr. Ian Fearon explains how weak research and distorted interpretations shape global nicotine policy. From the misuse of correlation to media amplification of questionable studies, Fearon shows how flawed science fuels prohibitionist thinking—leaving smokers misinformed about safer alternatives that could reduce the harms of smoking.

Featuring:
DR. IAN FEARON
Director, Independent Research Scientist
whatIF? Consulting, UK 

In this episode of GFN News, Joanna Junak speaks with Will Godfrey of Filter about Germany’s proposed regulation to ban flavoured e-liquids containing cooling agents.

The draft measure would prohibit menthol and other “iced” vape products that rely on cooling additives. Supporters of the proposal, including Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, argue that cooling effects may make vaping easier to inhale and potentially increase nicotine intake - particularly among young and inexperienced users.

Dr Arielle Selya presents a review of the common flaws in observational research on e-cigarette use and discusses the impact that these flaws have on study conclusions. Dr Selya offers suggestion on how future studies in the field could be improved. #GFN25ScienceLab

In this episode, we unpack the hidden environmental cost of vaping - from millions of discarded devices and batteries to ecosystem contamination - and why awareness isn’t translating into action. The conversation highlights a major gap: many users recognize the harm, but far fewer know how (or where) to recycle, and only a minority actually do. We also explore what could change the outcome: clearer product labeling, education that’s practical (not fear-based), better recycling infrastructure, and shared responsibility between governments, manufacturers, retailers, and users—moving toward a circular-economy approach to nicotine products.

In this GFN News interview, Aylen Van Isseldyk (creator of the global research project Circular Vape Recycling) explains the hidden environmental impact of vaping devices—from hard-to-degrade plastics and lithium batteries to the structural barriers that make e-cigarette recycling so difficult. ​ We also discuss why awareness alone isn’t enough, what manufacturers and institutions can do (eco-design, modular/reusable devices, and extended producer responsibility), and how users can help by returning devices to collection points and choosing more sustainable options.

Join us at the Global Forum on Nicotine 2026 in Warsaw and be part of the only truly open conference on safer nicotine, tobacco harm reduction and the real impacts of prohibition on public health. Hear leading scientists, clinicians, ethicists and advocates discuss social, health and economic consequences of bans, explore strategies to reach marginalized groups, and discover the latest research in our popular Science Lab sessions. Keynotes from pioneers like Dr Alex Wodak and other international experts, plus multilingual streaming and a dedicated Spanish-language session, make GFN 2026 a must-attend event for anyone serious about nicotine policy and harm reduction. ​ Ready to join the discussion? Visit GFN.EVENTS to register!