Saturday is World No Tobacco Day 2008

To the Editor:

Globally, most people start smoking before the age of 18, with almost a quarter of those beginning before the age of 10. The younger children are when they first try smoking, the more likely they are to become regular tobacco users and the less likely they are to quit.

A strong link between advertising and smoking in young people has been proven. The more aware young people are of tobacco advertising, the more likely they are to smoke or say they intend to. As a result, the tobacco industry spends billions of dollars worldwide each year to attract young customers.

After all, the adult users are dying -- many from tobacco-related illnesses, and tobacco companies must find replacement smokers/chewers in order to stay in business. Tobacco companies market their products wherever youth can be easily accessed -- in the movies, on the Internet, in fashion magazines, and at music concerts and sports events.

The World Health Organization, in response to tobacco's threat, has declared May 31 World No Tobacco Day 2008. Focus this year is to work toward a total ban on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship by the tobacco industry. Why is this needed?

* Because about half the children of the world live in countries that do not ban free distribution of tobacco products to them.

* Because only total and comprehensive bans can be effective in reducing tobacco consumption.

* Because national-level studies before and after advertising bans found a decline in tobacco consumption of up to 16%.

* Because partial bans have little or no impact on demand since advertising can be switched to alternative media.

For more information on World No Tobacco Day you may access their web site: www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2008. To become involved locally, contact Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, 384-8769.

Nancy Cummings

Coordinator, Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation

Bloomfield