Tobacco News

Smoking kills nearly six million people a year worldwide. That’s one person every six seconds, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is why it is calling the tobacco epidemic one of the biggest public health threats the world has faced.
We all know the dangers of lighting up. Those little white sticks contain more than just an addictive hit of nicotine; there’s everything from tobacco and tar to carbon monoxide and even rat poison.
Dr Anuradha Arasu says there are 4,000 different chemicals in just one cigarette, 50 of which are known to be carcinogens capable of causing cancer. Ream more »

The state Senate will decide Friday whether Indiana will ban smoking in most public places, after the House voted 60-33 Thursday night for a compromise smoking ban proposal that includes an exemption for bars and taverns.
Prior to the vote, House Bill 1149 was revised by a House-Senate conference committee to also exempt casinos, cigar and hookah bars, tobacco shops and cigar manufacturers from the smoking ban.
Smoking also would be allowed at private clubs, such as American Legion or VFW halls, but only in designated rooms with separate ventilation systems. Ream more »

It appears Democrats’ best opportunity to undo last year’s state tobacco tax cut took a hit last week with opposition from the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Senate Bill 403 was voted inexpedient to legislate by the committee but still needs to go before the full Senate. SB 403, sponsored by state Sen. Sylvia Larsen, D-Concord, and eight other Democrats, sought to move up the full report date of the tobacco revenues from July 15, 2013, to July 15, 2012. Under the bill, if the report indicated tobacco revenues were down from where they were from July 2010 to May 2011, the state would return the state tobacco tax to its previous level before July 1, 2011. If revenues were equal to or more than last year, nothing would change.
Ream more »

The DanversCares prevention coalition has issued a position statement in response to proposed bills that would legalize marijuana or make it available for medical use.

The statement opposes “any policy or initiative that directly or indirectly promotes marijuana use among youths.”

DanversCares represents school officials, police, businesspeople and residents who meet monthly and seek to educate the public on ways to cut down on teen drug and alcohol use and other risky behaviors.
Ream more »

Centennial Hills resident John L. Curtis is passionate about a collectors’ item you might never have never heard of. And he’s OK with that.

Since the 1970s, Curtis has amassed more than 1,000 cigar bands, paper or foil loops attached to cigars to denote brand or variety. But the bands aren’t for or from your average stogie.

Cigar bands were sold as collectors’ items with historical themes. Curtis has volumes of cigar bands representing themes such as U.S. presidents , government agencies , United Nations topics , the history of flight and European history . Ream more »

Oak Park is looking at tougher consequences for minors who drink alcohol, smoke or use marijuana, placing emphasis on cracking down on teen drinking parties.

The tougher rules extend to teens attending parties who aren’t drinking. Currently, those who are not visibly intoxicated or in possession of alcohol aren’t subject to any violation under village code. Under potential new ordinances, any teen at a party where alcohol is served could be ticketed. Also, adults 21 years or older could receive a violation if they had knowledge of a teen drinking party at their home.
Ream more »

The City Council will vote in two weeks whether to ban smoking in most public places in Biloxi.
At the first reading Tuesday, George Sekul spoke for the Biloxi Businessmen’s Club and said members believe the city shouldn’t become involved in the business of regulating smoking.
David Bull, owner of Bernie’s restaurant off Edgewater Drive, agreed. He said the ordinance restricts smoking in some but not all businesses. Bars, casino floors and smoke shops are excluded from the ban.
“I believe the City Council of Biloxi should not allow any exceptions that will give an unfair advantage to any business over another,” he said. Ream more »

Supporters of a ban on smoking inside vehicles with child passengers say the proposed legislation is strictly a health concern while opponents say it’s yet another attack on individual rights.

The full Senate opened debate Tuesday on the legislation, which would fine drivers as much as $50 if they or a passenger are caught smoking in a vehicle with a passenger 8 or younger.

The House Environmental Matters Committee heard testimony Tuesday on a similar bill.
Ream more »

Just a month after David Schuman won the right to appeal his secondhand smoke case in court, a new anti-smoking movement is emerging in Greenbelt.

A group of 11 co-op members have filed a request with GHI to change their Mutual Ownership Contracts by requiring their homes to be smoke-free.

“We, the members of the 13 A-H Ridge Road row, have unanimously determined that we wish to become smoke free,” the neighbors wrote to GHI. Ream more »

A FirstHealth of the Carolinas program funded by the North Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes will help educate Richmond County moms on the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke to their unborn babies.

The Tobacco Cessation Program grant will support FirstQuit for Life, an additional tobacco-cessation service under the FirstHealth Community Health Services FirstQuit program. FirstQuit for Life will address the effects of a mother’s tobacco use on her unborn child, the benefits of cessation for both mother and child, and the potential effects of second-hand smoke on infants.
Ream more »