The case for raising the minimum age for tobacco use.

Tobacco’s Death Toll Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the USA, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year.

Tobacco’s Death Toll Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the USA, killing more than 480,000 Americans each year.

Tobacco’s Death Toll

A Childhood Epidemic National data reveals that Meanwhile 80% of adult smokers first try smoking before 18 years of age. Only half (47%) of adult smokers became regular daily smokers before 18 years of age. Meanwhile 95% of adult smokers first try smoking before 21 years of age. 80% of adult smokers become regular daily smokers before 21 years of age. Think about it: only 5% of adult smokers start after 21 years of age.

A Childhood Epidemic If current trends continue, 5.6 million of today’s youth will die early from a smoking-related illness.

A Childhood Epidemic Addiction occurs early. During the late teens and early 20s, the brain is still developing and the probability of nicotine addiction is especially high.

A Childhood Epidemic Addiction occurs early. During the late teens and early 20s, the brain is still developing and the probability of nicotine addiction is especially high.

Youth are the Industry Targets The tobacco industry needs new youth smokers to survive so they market their products heavily to children and teens. -RJ Reynolds, September 10, 1982

Youth are the Industry Targets The tobacco industry needs new youth smokers to survive so they market their products heavily to children and teens. -Philip Morris report, January 21, 1986

Youth are the Industry Targets The tobacco industry needs new youth smokers to survive so they market their products heavily to children and teens. -RJ Reynolds, “1990 Strategic Plan”

Youth are the Industry Targets The tobacco industry needs new youth smokers to survive so they market their products heavily to children and teens.

Youth are the Industry Targets The tobacco industry needs new youth smokers to survive so they market their products heavily to children and teens.

Reducing Youth Tobacco Use Successful Strategies Have Included: Higher Tobacco Taxes Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws Comprehensive Tobacco Cessation Programs Comprehensive Tobacco Prevention Programs

Reducing Youth Tobacco Use Tobacco Use Trends in Florida:

Reducing Youth Tobacco Use Tobacco Use Trends in Florida:

Where do We Go From Here? One newer strategy is to increase the age for tobacco sales to 21 Raising the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21 complements these approaches to reducing youth tobacco use and to help users quit.

Benefits of Tobacco 21 Raising the Tobacco Sale Age to 21 will: Reduce Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults Reduce the Overall Smoking Prevalence Improve Health Save Lives

Reducing Youth Tobacco Use Increasing the sale age to 21 will reduce tobacco use among youth and young adults, age groups that are heavily targeted by the tobacco industry. Raising the age would make it more difficult for school-age children and teens to obtain tobacco by both direct purchase and social acquisition.

Reducing Smoking Prevalence The reduction in youth tobacco use will eventually reduce the overall smoking rates. The Institute of Medicine projected that Raising the age to 19 would lead to a 3% drop in adult smoking rates Raising the age to 21 would lead to a 12% drop in adult smoking rates Raising the age to 25 would lead to a 16 % drop in adult smoking rates.

Improving Health Impact on Youth and Young Adults Immediate reductions in acute respiratory illnesses and asthma. Long-term reductions in chronic respiratory problems (COPD). Impact on Maternal and Child Health Immediate reductions in preterm births, low birthweight babies, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Saving Lives Impact on Adult Health Long-term reduction in deaths due to cancer, heart attacks, and strokes. If the age were now raised to 21 nationally, for those born between 2000 and 2019, there would be approximately: 223,000 fewer premature deaths 50,000 fewer deaths from lung cancer 4.2 million fewer years of lost life

Tobacco 21 is Popular!

Tobacco 21 is Popular!

Join the Movement! Five states have raised the age statewide: Hawaii, California, Oregon, New Jersey, and Maine 260 additional localities, including major cities such as New York City, Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, and both Kansas Cities! Will your community be next?

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Tobacco 21 Questions and Answers