276 Unit 4 Understanding and Avoiding Hazardous Substances
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Prevention
Because most adult smokers picked up the habit as teenagers, experts
believe the best way to reduce the smoking rate is to prevent smoking.
Government-based regulations, awareness of physical and social conse-
quences, and personal skills for refusing tobacco are among the prevention
strategies used today.
Government-Based Strategies
Smoking costs society an estimated $289 billion a year in healthcare
costs. Given the serious threat to public health associated with the use of
tobacco products, governments have often focused on preventing nicotine
use and helping tobacco users quit. These strategies may involve state and
federal laws that regulate the sale, use, cost, and advertisement of tobacco
products.
Banning the Sale of Tobacco Products. The sale of tobacco is prohib-
ited to anyone younger than 18 years of age. As of 2010, the United States
also banned the sale of cigarettes in vending machines, except in establish-
ments where people younger than 18 years of age are not allowed. Govern-
ment programs have also banned the sale of all candy- and fruit-fl avored
cigarettes.
Banning Smoking in Public Places. Some of the most effective gov-
ernment regulations to prevent smoking are laws that ban smoking in
public places (Figure 9.13). These bans help smokers quit in several ways.
First, they make it more diffi cult for people to fi nd places to smoke. The
bans reduce the number of places that serve as triggers in a smoker’s envi-
ronment. Smoking bans also help reduce exposure to secondhand smoke,
which means fewer heart attacks, less coughing, and improved breathing.
Increasing Taxes on Cigarettes. Cigarettes are expensive. When
people continue to smoke, they have a lot less money to buy other things
they want and need. Raising federal, state, and municipal taxes on tobacco
products can cause people to quit smoking and even discourage them from
starting to smoke (Figure 9.14). Higher prices for cigarettes and smokeless
tobacco increase the negative consequences of smoking because smokers
must cut back on other expenses to continue funding their addiction. In-
creasing the cost of cigarettes is an especially effective way to decrease
smoking in teenagers, who generally do not have much income.
Requiring Warning Labels on Packaging. Another approach to pre-
vent smoking and encourage quitting is to increase people’s awareness of
the health risk of cigarettes. All cigarette packs and advertisements must
have warning labels stating the risks associated with smoking.
Mass Media Antismoking Campaigns
Antismoking campaigns in mass media have also been shown to help
prevent smoking. Successful antismoking campaigns emphasize long-term
Smoking bans encourage
people not to smoke
and protect people from
secondhand smoke. Are
there any places in your
community where smoking
is still allowed?
Figure 9.13