A parting shot at tobacco

Article Abstract:

Retiring Surgeon General C. Everett Koop appeared before the United States Congress on Sep 13, 1989. During this last appearance Dr. Koop focused attention on the issues of tobacco advertising and the ability of children to gain access to tobacco products. Koop has long been an advocate of banning all tobacco advertising. However, appearing before a committee on bill HR 1250, which would ban image-based tobacco advertising, he gave his support to this legislation as a reasonable compromise. Our society allows the single most important preventable cause of death, tobacco, to be among the most highly advertised products. This issue brings to the fore the entire First Amendment rights and opponents argue that if a product is legal to sell, it is legal to advertise. Koop believes that our Founding Fathers would not have voiced such a narrow interpretation and that the restriction of a ban on advertising, while continuing to allow the sale of tobacco represents a reasonable middle course. Koop also expressed objection at misleading advertisements, such as one slogan that connected smoking with life - "Alive with Pleasure" - when a more fitting slogan might have been "Dying in Agony." A second issue was the ease with which children can access tobacco products, including why there should be a double standard for alcohol and tobacco, which are the two major addicting drugs used in the United States. Of particular concern was the presence of tobacco vending machines which provide easy access to tobacco. Koop questions whether we would allow the sale of alcohol by such an uncontrolled method and answers that we certainly would not. Koop believes that restricting the sale of tobacco to minors is an effective method of preventing its use by children.

Laws, regulations and rules, Advertising, Tobacco, Tobacco habit

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Bidi Use Among Urban Youth--Massachusetts, March-April 1999

Article Abstract:

Many teenagers are smoking bidis, which could be damaging to their health. Bidis are small, brown, hand-rolled cigarettes made in India and other southeast Asian countries consisting of tobacco wrapped in a tendu or temburni leaf. A survey of 642 young people in Massachusetts found that 40% had smoked a bidi at least once, 16% were current bidi users and 8% were heavy bidi users. Many believed bidis tasted better, were cheaper, safer and easier to buy. However, research has shown that bidis produce three times the amount of carbon monoxide and nicotine and five times the amount of tar as cigarettes.

Statistical Data Included, Statistics, Smoking and youth, Youth smoking

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Changes in Youth Cigarette Use and Intentions Following Implementation of a Tobacco Control Program: Findings From the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, 1998-2000

Article Abstract:

Florida's Pilot Program on Tobacco Control proves that a comprehensive statewide program can reduce smoking rates among teenagers. The program was funded from the August, 1997, $11.3 billion legal settlement between the State of Florida and the tobacco industry.

Florida, Smoking cessation programs, Smoking cessation

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