Tobacco Facts.

This week the Senate could approve the legislation that would dramatically change the tobacco policy implemented by the government. Although the corresponding legislation is highly criticized by tobacco industry, the final voting is likely to pass the legislation.

It is also unclear how the law would contribute to pushing smokers to get rid of their unhealthy habit.

The proposal, approved by the House of Representatives back in spring almost unanimously, is now considered by the Senate. In case the senators would approve the bill this week, it would provide the FDA with the power to regulate tobacco products.

“The bill should be regarded as a significant change ever happened to a public policy,” declared Gwen Hawthorne, an associate professor in Sociology Maryland State University.

In case it is approved, the law would allow the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the volume of nicotine and tar in tobacco products, advertising campaign that could attract minors to smoking and force tobacco companies to avoid marketing their new products as “reduced risk” items.

Public Health groups and anti-smoking advocates are in the state of euphoria, claiming that the law would be very useful and strictly enforced. They state that in case of approval, it would make more people think of quitting their habit instead of being misled by tobacco industry and simply switch to “healthier” tobacco products advertised by tobacco companies.

However, not everyone is sure that that the law would be helpful and fair.

According to Stanley Reynolds, Head of School of Public Health at Georgia State University, in case the FDA would be entitled to regulate tobacco products and authorize them, it would as well mislead smokers since they would be convinced that cigarettes approved by the FDA are safer, however it would not be true, as cigarettes could not be safe.

The similar discussions and polemics have been there for many years.

Back in the ‘60s, the America Surgeon General published a report stating that smoking caused health complications. However being under strong pressure from cigarette industry, the senators passed the law only to place specific labels on cigarette packs, warning people of health risks.

But, as the time and scientific progress went further, lawmakers approved more rigorous measures: in 1971 they prohibited cigarette advertisements on TV; in 1984 they forced the cigarette industry to place more information about the hazards of smoking to each cigarette pack. The tobacco regulation efforts reached its blossoming in 2000. Nevertheless, the cigarette companies had their biggest victory up to date, when the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, declaring that the FDA lacked legislative power to regulate tobacco products.

However, this year, obtaining the strong support of Democratic majority in Congress and even President, anti-smoking advocates managed to push their bill forward.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, the leader of the Senate anti-tobacco supporters claimed that they want to force the cigarette industry to find a new model for their business.

Opponents in the Senate argue that the FDA should not be entitled to regulate tobacco, as cigarettes are unhealthy but people could think that they would be safer in case of seeing the FDA approval on the packs.

The bill’s critics are as well worry that the restrictions and regulations could become too expensive for the like North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky where tobacco crops are essential part of economy.

Tobacco growing and producing employs around 21,000 people across the country with an average salary of $47,000, in conformity with the Labor and Employment Department.

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