There are few threats more dangerous to the health of the public than tobacco! Each year more that 435,000 Americans die of tobacco related illnesses–mostly heart, vascular, and lung disease. Use of these products is also associated with significant health problems that diminish quality of life. The total annual cost of tobacco related problems in the United States run to $96 billion–a truly staggering amount.
It is rather surprising, that with the overwhelming evidence of harm, more than one in five Americans still smoke. This is a testimony to the addictive nature of these products.
The historic bill signed into law on June 22, 2009 marks a sea change for the tobacco industry. The Food and Drug Administration now has the authority to regulate tobacco products to protect the health of the public. The FDA must now approve all new tobacco products before they can be marketed.
PositiveTip: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Encourage someone who does to quit, before it kills them!