Effective June 20, 2020, Pennsylvania raised the tobacco age in Pennsylvania to 21, a move that is expected to save lives and reduce smoking rates. The new law applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco.
Youth Tobacco Use Rates | Before the Tobacco Age in Pennsylvania Change | After the Tobacco Age in Pennsylvania Change |
---|---|---|
High school students who smoke cigarettes | 11.7% | 7.6% |
Middle school students who smoke cigarettes | 3.6% | 2.2% |
High school students who use e-cigarettes | 20.8% | 14.5% |
Why Raising the Tobacco Age in Pennsylvania Matters
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and it is responsible for an estimated 480,000 deaths each year. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems. E-cigarettes, which are often marketed to young people as a safer alternative to cigarettes, have also been linked to a number of health risks, including respiratory problems and heart disease.
Raising the tobacco age in Pennsylvania to 21 is an important step toward reducing tobacco use among young people. Studies have shown that raising the tobacco age to 21 can reduce smoking rates by up to 25%. This is because young people are more likely to experiment with tobacco when they are younger, and they are more likely to become addicted if they start smoking before the age of 21.
The following are just a few examples of how raising the tobacco age in Pennsylvania has helped to reduce tobacco use among young people:
These success stories show that raising the tobacco age in Pennsylvania is an effective way to reduce tobacco use among young people. By taking this step, Pennsylvania is helping to protect the health of its young people and saving lives.
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