video

ANTISMOKING LEGISLATION

What effects do tougher antismoking laws have in terms of reducing smoking and smoking-related diseases?
New Finnish research shows what’s being reproduced in other countries and in several cities in the U.S.: that these laws to restrict smoking, often through higher taxes and bans on public smoking, are having a huge impact in cutting smoking rates and what’s expected, as a result, related diseases.

What effect does tougher antismoking legislation have in terms of reducing smoking and smoking-related diseases? New Finnish research corroborates what’s happening in other countries and in several cities in the U.S.: that these laws to restrict smoking, often through higher taxes and bans on public smoking, thus having a huge impact in cutting smoking rates and, as a result, related diseases.

“Even though I smoke, I’d rather not smoke, and I rather not smell like cigarettes,” says Jeremy Levitt who started smoking at the tender age of 13. That might not have happened if at the time there were tougher antismoking laws in place. He’s not opposed to the ones that exist now that makes smoking a more challenging pastime. “If I go out at night and I come home smelling normally I definitely don’t mind it at all. I think it’s a good thing,” says Jeremy.

The Finnish research study shows its national tobacco control legislation helps to reduce the prevalence of smoking and, as a result, smoking-related diseases. The Finnish tobacco act of 1976 banned tobacco advertising, restricted smoking on public premises, prohibited tobacco sales to minors, placed health warnings on packages, and allocated .5% of taxes from tobacco sales to be used for smoking prevention. The percentage of men who smoked daily was reduced from 58% to 28%, and their respiratory disease rate significantly declined as well.

Recent efforts here in the U.S. have had similar dramatic effects. Dr. Nancy Miller, Assistant Commissioner of the Borough of Tobacco Control at the New York Department of Health, says, “Tobacco, smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in New York City and as a result of that this administration has implemented a very aggressive strong comprehensive tobacco control.” Dr. Miller argues that for every 10% that the price of tobacco is raised, consumption will drop, 4% in adults and 7% in young people.

In 2002, New York City raised its excised tax from 8 cents a pack to $1.50 a pack. And that along with the state tax of $1.50 means that New York City has the highest tobacco excised tax of anywhere in the nation of $3.00 a pack. “These efforts along with the many partners that we work with across the city in a cohesive effort has resulted in a landmark 11% reduction in smoking rates from 2002 to 2003. That is the fastest decline, the steepest decline, that has ever been recorded nationally and we are very pleased with that,” says Dr. Miller.

According to Dr. Miller, second hand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in New York City, 1000 deaths a year. Studies have shown that even short term exposure, say 30 minutes, increases one’s risk of cardiovascular.

The study found that since the new laws were implemented, air quality in bars and restaurants has dramatically improved. The result: a predicted drop in illness and premature deaths by the thousands, along with billions of dollars saved in medical care costs.

There are several other states that are now smoke-free, including California, Massachusetts, Delaware and several cities in the northeast. This is a world-wide effort, including other countries such as Ireland, Sweden, and Norway.

Related Stories Links:

- AHEAD OF ALLERGIES
- Remedy or Ripoff O Stick
- What Are the Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease?