US Curbs on Tobacco
The smoke is going to go up in smoke. Or, that is the impression one gets when one sees the historic and far reaching powers conferred on government by the US senate to curb smoking among the Americans. If approved by the House of Representatives, the bill will permit nicotine levels in cigarettes to be limited and advertising curtailed. Commentators hailed the vote as a major victory against vested tobacco interests which for years have sought to frustrate regulatory efforts. About 20% of Americans smoke, and the habit kills some 440,000 every year. President Barack Obama hailed the passage of the bill, saying it would “make history by giving the scientists and medical experts at the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] the power to take sensible steps that will reduce tobacco’s harmful effects”. It was also applauded by anti-smoking and health campaigners.
