New Lancet Study: Tobacco Control Measures Are Effective and Affordable Strategies to Reduce Chronic Disease Death...( WASHINGTON Dec. 6 -- The followi...),Health

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids:

A new study published in the December 5, 2007, issue of the scientific journal The Lancet shows that tobacco control measures, including higher tobacco taxes, smoke-free workplace laws, advertising bans and large health warnings, are among the most effective and affordable strategies nations can adopt to reduce deaths from chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. This new study sends a powerful message to governments around the world that these scientifically proven measures to reduce tobacco use are both effective and cost-effective ways to protect the health of their citizens. It should spur nations to quickly implement these measures, as called for by the international tobacco control treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The study looked at 23 countries that account for 80 percent of the chronic disease burden in the developing world and calculated how many deaths could be prevented over 10 years by implementing health interventions to reduce tobacco use and salt intake. The study also calculated the financial costs of these interventions. It specifically examined the impact of implementing four key elements of the tobacco control treaty: increased taxes on tobacco products; enforcement of smoke-free workplaces; larger health warnings on tobacco products combined with public awareness campaigns about the health risks of smoking; and comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. The study reached these conclusions:

-- In the 23 countries studied, implementation of these tobacco control strategies would prevent 5.5 million deaths over 10 years (from 2006 to 2015). Most deaths averted would be from cardiovascular disease, followed by deaths from respiratory diseases and cancer.

-- The health interventions to reduce tobacco use and salt i
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