ASH WARNS AGAINST COMPLACENCY

Date: 28 December 2007

Press Statement from ASH Ireland – End of Year Statement

ASH Ireland warns about complacency

ASH Ireland, which fully recognises the significant effort of this and the last Government of tobacco related matters, is concerned that we may become complacent on this critical health issue. Tobacco is one of the most heavily and consistently marketed products in the world – a product that must reach young people for the industry to hold its market position.

There are some trends, which are of particular concern. In February 2005 – nine months after the implementation of the workplace-smoking ban - smoking prevalence in Ireland was down to 23%. In June this year prevalence had crept back up to 24·5%. If this trend continues the outcomes are predictable and more Irish people will die from tobacco use in the future and a bigger spend will be required on tobacco related treatment in our health services.

Dr Angie Brown, recently appointed Chairperson of ASH Ireland said today, “It is also of concern that 22% of our 15-18 year olds are regular smokers. These young people will become quickly addicted to nicotine and many will spend the rest of their lives trying to break away from the addiction and will most likely have serious health issues later in their lives. People who smoke are very likely to die from tobacco related disease – and close to 7,000 people die from smoking in this country each year”

ASH Ireland is also somewhat concerned that despite the fact that 2002 and 2004 Health (Tobacco) legislation is enacted no firm timelines have been set by Government for its full implementation. A consultation process is now in train and it is hoped that the process will not be used by vested interests to delay and water down the full impact of this important health legislation. It is totally unacceptable that all our retail outlets, which are understandably used by our young people, continue to be emblazoned with tobacco adverts. Research published this year in Australia clearly shows that such advertising is having an impact on customers.

ASH Ireland is also disappointed that the government missed an opportunity to significantly increase tobacco prices in the recent budget. In the Dail debate on this issue afterwards, two deputies suggested that a much more significant increase was required to have an impact on smokers. It is well recognised internationally that price increase is the most effective means of encouraging smokers to quit and discouraging young people from experimenting with tobacco. The 30 cents increase introduced by the government this year will regrettably have little impact on smoking levels.

Ireland has positioned itself as a world leader in tobacco control issues. It is imperative that we do not become complacent and allow the old habits to re-emerge especially in regard to smoking prevalence and tolerance of passive smoke. As others follow our leadership on tobacco control around the world – we must not think we have this health issue solved – because we are dealing with an industry that will use every marketing and promotion means possible to sell its killer product to young people.

Note to Editors –
Here are some projections contained in a recent report by the American Cancer Society:

- The report predicts that more than one billion people will die from smoking-related diseases in the 21st century.

- This compares with about 100m deaths in the 20th century.

- About 5m people died from tobacco use in 2000, of which 30% had some form of cancer.

- The WHO estimates that 84% of the world’s 1.3bn smokers live in developing nations.

- If the trend continues, there will be about 2bn smokers around the world by 2030, of which half will die from smoking-related illnesses if they don’t quit.

Ends
Further information
ASH Ireland, 01-2310521
Wally Young, Young Communications, 01-6680530/087-2471520