Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed historic legislation that raises the age for purchasing tobacco products in New York State to 21.
“Research shows that 90 percent of smokers started before turning 19 — the chances of becoming addicted drop off dramatically after that,” said Ann Morgan, executive director of the North Country Healthy Heart Network. “We’re encouraged by the steps Gov. Cuomo and the legislature are taking to reverse trends in youth tobacco use.”
“The signing of this bill is a huge step forward — restricting the sale of tobacco products to those over 21 helps protect youth from nicotine addiction,” said Danyelle Jones, project coordinator for the Heart Network’s Health Systems for a Tobacco Free NY program. “We also know that there is still work to do. E-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products contain high levels of nicotine and are particularly appealing to youth. The aggressive marketing that the tobacco industry deploys for these products increases the risk of youth nicotine addiction. Over the last four years, youth e-cigarette use increased by 160 percent among high schoolers. Additional proposals, such as ending the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes in pharmacies and implementing point-of-sale restrictions, would go a long way in reversing these trends.”
The Heart Network’s Health Systems for a Tobacco Free NY program can connect those looking to quit with proven resources that can help. To learn more, visit www.heartnetwork.org or contact me at djones@heartnetwork.org or (518) 891-5855.
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