Last month I read this article, “FDA Review of Tobacco Products Grind to a Halt.” My “I don’t like toxic carcinogenic tobacco self (guess where I stand on this issue?)” was happy to read the headline but then I was massively intrigued as read on: 400 tobacco products have been submitted for review by the FDA. Oh my! With all the information we have about direct cause of fatal disease as a result of smoking, there are that many folks out there trying to continue and increase sales of tobacco related products? Really? Just recently, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control 2013 report and it’s an eye opener.
Tobacco products waiting for review since March 2011
The good news is that the FDA has not processed any of the 400 products, but as stated in the article, a “grandfather clause in the law allows products introduced between February 2007 and March 2011 that are similar to those previously on the market to be sold while under review”. So, new products are still being introduced. I am sad to see that so many are still trying hard to convince children and adults to smoke, even though science tells us how deadly it is for the smoker and those around them. I believe in personal rights but if we have to use tax payer money to cover the medical costs of smokers and if that smoke comes in my personal air space, then I take issue.
My heart drops every time I see a teen walk by with a cigarette. I’ve watched close friends die of lung cancer as a result of first hand and second hand smoke. My personal wish is for those kids smoking cigarettes to find another tool to help them cope or relax…and I’m not talking smoking other things!
photo courtesy of the American Lung Association
On that note, if you really want to get a birds eye view of what is going on with Tobacco, visit the American Lung Association’s State of Tobacco Control 2013 site for a few minutes! Make sure you check out the super cool Infographic on the State of Tobacco. I am a fan of visuals and down and dirty information that is easy to read and digest.
These cigarillos are very thin and small and smell exactly like grape flavored candy or gum–not wine as one of the packages state!
I just want to make one more complaint about tobacco companies, since I’m on a roll: Fruity flavored Cigars? Really? Grape, Peach, Strawberry. Really Swisher Sweets? Could there be more candy sweet flavored cigars and tobacco products out there waiting for production? Hum… You can’t convince me that the grape candy cigarillo has been created for the distinguished gentlemen at the smoke shop.
Again, on your next coffee break consider checking out the infographic on the State of Tobacco Control 2013 and then ask a loved one who smokes to stop since you love them.
I recently worked in a grocery store back East where I was obligated to sell tobacco products. Initially, I thought that this task would be difficult; but, I realized that it’s not my job to police what consumers can legally purchase. Perhaps, it was my way of rationalizing things.
Regarding health care costs of smokers (and those who suffer the effects of secondhand smoke), I think that the subject is too broad for a personal comment. Enacting & enforcing legislation that penalizes smokers is the best option. It is interesting to note that in Nevada, dependence on tobacco money is apparent. The Millenium Scholarship & the local ALA have both been affected by a reduction in tobacco sales.
Judie, millenium scholarships and ALA have been effected by our state using the madtet settlement money on other things, instead of tobacco control. So tobacco sales don’t effect those things
Thank you for the correction, Caroline. I guess that it’s time NV implemented an excise on all tobacco products to help support programs I mentioned. Any thoughts?