Tobacco increases the poverty of individuals and families

Date: 28 May 2004

ASH Ireland is not surprised by the findings of ‘Tobacco and Poverty’ a report from WHO published today, which finds that ‘Tobacco increases the poverty of individuals and families”.

The WHO report also concludes that tobacco not only impoverishes many of those who use it, it also puts enormous financial burden on countries, including healthcare costs, low productivity due to illness and early death and other negative factors.

Professor Luke Clancy, Chairperson of ASH Ireland said today, “This WHO report published on World No Tobacco Day is most welcome. It highlights the fact that it is unfortunately the poor who smoke most – as they are easier targets for the tobacco industry’s slick marketing campaigns. The report shows that ‘84% of smokers live in developing and transitional economy countries’. The Irish situation is very much in keeping with WHO findings. The Slan Survey in 2003, for example, found that 48% of 18-34 year old women, who had not completed secondary education smoked - compared to the national average of 28%.

The WHO report also confirms that despite the highlighting of health effects associated with smoking and the litigation, which has been so successful in the US – tobacco industry profits continue to soar. Profit growth for the top five tobacco companies in the past three years – show increases ranging form 28% - 47%. Much of this profit is being accumulated by aggressive marketing of this killer product in developing countries.

ASH Ireland congratulates the Irish people on their response to the new smoking legislation. As we suggested all along Irish people obey the law especially when it protects health and improves the quality of life – and they appreciate clean air.