Oral health: Vaping inflicts damage and can lead to ‘irreversible’ problems

A Quebec Superior Court has allowed a class action lawsuit against Juul Labs and Altria Group related to vaping products to proceed, involving allegations concerning marketing practices, youth exposure and corporate responsibility. The ruling only allows the case to move forward and does not represent a finding that Juul or Altria are legally liable. The case highlights continued legal risks facing vape companies regarding product marketing, youth protection and corporate accountability.

Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) CEO Takehiko Tsutsui said the company plans to invest about ¥800 billion (approximately US$5.4 billion) in heated tobacco products over three years through 2028, aiming to establish Ploom as a second growth engine after combustible cigarettes. Tsutsui said Ploom AURA helped JT increase its share of Japan’s heated tobacco market to 15.8% in the first quarter of 2026. Ploom products are now available in 29 markets, with Ploom AURA sold in 25 markets including Japan. JT also plans to continue its cigarette business while positioning its food operations, particularly frozen noodle products in North America, as another growth opportunity.

South Korea’s KOSDAQ-listed electronics-component maker ITM Semiconductor said its Indonesia subsidiary has begun full-scale mass production of e-cigarette devices, with first-quarter revenue from the business rising 55.4% year on year to 42.1 billion won, Maeil Business Newspaper reported.

Australian One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has proposed cutting tobacco excise by 50% and freezing indexation until June 30, 2028, in a bid to lower legal cigarette prices and reduce the price advantage of the illicit tobacco market.

Pennsylvania’s June 26 Pending ENDS Certifications list includes 23 manufacturers under review, including Shenzhen Smoore, Shenzhen IVPS, YME Technology and China-linked Boulder International. The list shows state-level vape regulation moving beyond retail brands toward manufacturer-based market access alongside FDA oversight.

Summo has introduced the Summo 150K Refillable Disposable Vape, entering the ultra-high-puff vape segment with a claimed capacity of up to 150,000 puffs. The device combines a 40ml dual e-liquid system, transparent tank design, dual mesh coils and a 900mAh rechargeable battery, using a refillable structure to differentiate itself from conventional disposable vapes. The product appeared on overseas online retail channels including Vapesourcing and VapeBarTime between late June and early July 2026.