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-flavoredfl 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 difficult for people to find fi places to smoke. The fi 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