Itasca, IL – The National Safety Council applauds the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for its dedication to hosting a robust National Prevention Week that includes today’s focus on preventing underage tobacco use. In recognition of the SAMHSA observance, the Council has announced two new anti-smoking policies, which also coincide with the CDC Office of Smoking and Health Year of Cessation.
The first policy looks at the significant health and safety issues caused by cigarette smoking, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke, and recommends six tobacco control measures:
- Raising the minimum age for tobacco sales
- Ramping up public information campaigns
- Increasing investment in treatment programs
- Implementing smoke-free policies where they don’t exist
- Supporting substantial cigarette taxes
- Encouraging employers to provide health insurance plans that cover proven cessation treatments, discourage smoking and encourage safe practices related to tobacco
The second policy focuses on electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, which have sparked public health concerns particularly when it comes to teens. The Council’s policy on electronic nicotine delivery systems – or ENDS – has three main objectives:
- Restricting youth access to ENDS products
- Eliminating disparities between ENDS and tobacco regulations
- Increasing public awareness of health risks
Trends in tobacco use over the last half-century indicate that eliminating smoking is possible, and that aggressive anti-smoking policies can be effective. SAMHSA is enthusiastically doing its part by making the prevention of underage smoking a focus of National Prevention Week.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact.
