Tobacco Control In The US: There’s Still Work To Be Done

Posted on | October 11, 2009 | Comments Off on Tobacco Control In The US: There’s Still Work To Be Done

Mike Magee MD

We can justifiably take pride in the progress that we’ve made in the U.S. when it comes to tobacco. It’s been a battle, each step hard fought against a foe that consistently has put profit above health, and bent the truth at every turn.

It’s been over 50 years since our federal government formally acknowledged that cigarettes were a danger to our health. Since then, usage has been cut in half, smoke free environments are more and more the norm, and the FDA now has the power to regulate tobacco. But much work remains to be done. (1,2,3)

Here’s a short list:

1. Taxes are up on tobacco, but still cigarettes are too affordable compared to the rest of the world. In addition, too often these tax revenues, intended to support smoking cessation and preventive health efforts get diverted into unrelated areas.
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