No one can deny the pernicious effects of tobacco: every year, 400,000 people die in the United States from diseases related to this product. Nevertheless, despite these effects, it has never been regulated by the federal government. Until now.
This past week, Congress approved placing tobacco products under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It was about time. It has always seemed strange that many other products consumed daily are strictly regulated, but not cigarettes. This new law, awaiting presidential signature, will put an end to at least a decade of roadblocks by the tobacco industry, legislators representing tobacco-producing states, and the Bush Administration.
The new law means that the industry will be required to disclose the content of cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as limit advertising. The FDA may also set new standards on nicotine levels and flavors such as menthol and others.
The law does not allow the FDA to ban tobacco, but it gives it sufficient power to have an impact on reducing consumption. We hope this happens soon. According to many studies, youth and racial minorities are among those most prone to smoke.
That said, tobacco addiction is a costly vice for everyone. The price for the treatment of diseases or losses in the workforce is close to $100 billion. Add to this the pain experienced by
families and the patients suffering from cancer, strokes, respiratory and heart problems.
Finally, common sense has prevailed, and very soon a product as addictive and harmful as tobacco will be regulated.
