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Tobacco Laws – a Major Step for Children’s Health

Published on August 8, 2008 2:42 AM

The Health researchers have reported that new tobacco laws are a major step for children's health. The new measures approved by New South Wales (NSW) cabinet include fines for smoking in cars in which there are children under 16 and a ban on cigarettes being displayed in shops.

Tony Thirlwell, the chief executive of Heart Foundation from NSW, said that smoking was and will be the single biggest cause of heart disease and cancer.

Mr. Thirlwell added: "These measures are a major step forward in protecting young people from the harmful effects of cigarette smoke".

In a statement Tony Thirlwell said that cigarette packets and displays are powerful forms of tobacco advertising and significantly can influence the uptake of smoking among young people.

Thirlwell think that under the measures, large stores will have six months and smaller shops a year to put tobacco products out of sight.

"You'd be naive to think these tobacco displays in shops are anything other than showing advertisements for a product that will eventually kill half of long-term users," said Mr. Thirlwell.

Tobacco displays become the first thing most people see when going into a shop, usually near ordinary items like newspapers, bread and lollipops. Of course this gives the false impression that these products are harmless.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) NSW said taking tobacco products off display would be a powerful disincentive to children.

President Brian Morton said the association also welcomed the ban on smoking in cars with children.

"The confined space of a car means young lungs can inhale high concentrations of tobacco smoke," he said.