Officials praise new tobacco regulations
PARKERSBURG – Local health officials are pleased with the new federal tobacco law aimed at curbing tobacco use, especially among youth.
“The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act” was signed into law on June 22 by the president.
“We certainly approve of the federal efforts. So many illnesses and diseases are shown to be caused by smoking including cancer, not to mention the affect on the quality of life for those addicted to tobacco. We are glad to see the federal government taking some stronger measures to help reduce tobacco use, especially with regard to youth. Studies have shown if you can keep someone from starting to smoke before they are 18, chances are they will not smoke,” said Dick Wittberg, director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department. Wittberg said granting authority to regulate tobacco products to the federal Food and Drug Administration was a good move.
“I think that will have a very long lasting and large effect on tobacco sales, it changes the landscape,” he said.
The new federal legislation grants the FDA authority to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products, stops the marketing of tobacco products to children, requires tobacco companies to list what is in their products and mandates larger and more effective warning labels on tobacco product packaging. The legislation requires cigarettes makers to disclose product ingredients to the FDA and prohibits use of labels such as low tar or light on packages. In imposes a ban on candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes. Tobacco companies will also no longer be able to advertise near schools or sponsor entertainment or sporting events. The new federal legislation also forces companies to lower the levels of nicotine in cigarettes, remaining vending machines will disappear except in places restricted to adults and retailers who sell to minors will be subject to federal enforcement and penalties.
“We have noticed that we are starting to get more calls on the Quit Line because of the federal tax and FDA regulations. It is true it will help with youth prevention, doing away with the flavored cigarettes and cigars which are targeted to youth,” said Carrie Brainard, MOVHD Regional Tobacco Prevention Coalition coordinator. “There are some additives that will not be allowed in cigarettes that will make it a little less addictive, you still shouldn’t smoke, but hopefully it will help more people be able to quit and improve their health,” Brainard said.
“Any step we can take to keep our youth from starting tobacco is a step in the right direction. Anyone who has ever smoked and tried to quit can tell you how hard it is to stop, and how they wished they hadn’t started,” Brainard said.
The Quit Line number, 1-877-966-8784, is accessible from anywhere in West Virginia. It is a toll-free call.
“They will provide educational materials on how to quit, provide four free phone counseling sessions and most people will qualify for free patches, gum or lozengers. If the caller has a medical condition, they will need a doctor’s referral, but you can get a fax referral form,” Brainard said.
“Tobacco is virtually the only consumable product not regulated in the U.S. and the tobacco industry exploits this undeserved free pass by spending nearly $40 million every day aggressively marketing its products, especially to children, with enticing candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes. The legislation would stop the marketing of tobacco products to children, require tobacco companies to list the poisons in their products and mandate larger and more effective warning labels on tobacco product packaging,” said Dr. John R. Seffrin, CEO, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Every day, 3,500 children pick up their first cigarette and 1,000 become addicted smokers. Regulating the tobacco industry could help break the cycle of addiction to tobacco in our country,” Seffrin said.
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