New anti-smoking law will make a difference

Re June 15 editorial, “Washington finally takes aim at Big Tobacco”: The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition joins the Gazette editorial board in applauding passage of legislation granting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products.

The bill, signed into law by President Obama, will prevent tobacco companies from marketing their deadly and addictive products to children, deceiving consumers about the harm their products cause, and making changes to their products without disclosing them (such as secretly increasing nicotine levels in cigarette smoke, as studies have shown). This is a truly historic victory that, in the president’s own words, “will save American lives and make Americans healthier.”

FDA regulation is expected to reduce the number of young people who start smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit — a clear win for community health. Regulation, however, has its limitations and is not a guarantee of safety.

There is not now nor will there be under FDA regulation any such thing as a “safe” smoke. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. For help clearing your lungs, call 866-NY-QUITS (866-697-8487).

To help clear the air for all Capital Region residents, visit www.SmokeFreeCapital.org.

Theresa Zubretsky
Albany

The writer is project coordinator for the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition.