Salem-News.com Tobacco articles Page 3

UN Seeks Total Ban on Tobacco Advertising to Protect Kids

They say advertising is becoming more aggressive in the developing world, where bans on tobacco marketing are less likely.

(GENEVA) - The United Nations health agency today called on governments to impose a ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship to deter young people around the world from taking up smoking.

Fewer Oregon Women Smoking While Pregnant

Women who smoke while pregnant are more likely to miscarry or have a still birth

(SALEM, Ore.) - Officials with the state say that since the beginning of Oregon's Tobacco Prevention and Education Program in 1996, the proportion of mothers who smoked while pregnant has decreased 30 percent. Because of this decrease in smoking, about 17,000 infants have had a healthier start to life.

"This decline in the number of moms smoking during their pregnancies is great news for Mother's Day," said Mel Kohn, M.D., state epidemiologist with the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division.

Teens in Oregon Smoking Less, Drinking Alcohol More

In survey results, 32 percent of Oregon's eighth graders and 44 percent of 11th graders drank alcohol within the past month.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Cigarette and marijuana smoking are down among Oregon middle and high school students, and alcohol use remains the same for 11th graders but has increased 28 percent for eighth graders, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services Addictions and Mental Health Division.

State Hopes Retailer Sales Checks Curb Teen Tobacco Use

Last year more sales to minors occurred at mini marts, small markets and gas stations, while fewer sales were made at tobacco shops, department stores and drug stores.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Hundreds of retailers throughout Oregon will receive surprise visits during the next six months to see if they are complying with laws that prohibit tobacco sales to persons under age 18.

This is Oregon's 14th year as a participant in the federal Synar Compliance Program aimed at putting a damper on youth smoking.

Oregonians are Smoking 41% Less According to New Report

Exposure to secondhand smoke also declined during the past decade, according to the report.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregonians smoked an estimated 2.6 billion fewer cigarettes between 1996 and 2006 as consumption decreased 41 percent during that time, according a report from the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division.

Oregon outpaced the nation by 10 percent, as cigarette smoking dropped 31 percent in the United States during the same period, according to Oregon Tobacco Facts, released by the Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP).

Real Plastinated Smokers Lungs Unveiled Thursday at OMSI

As many as 18.9 percent of Oregonians smoke, and 76 percent of those want to quit. This exhibit is a good inspiration.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - One of the many dramatic displays in Gunther von Hagens' BODY WORLDS 3: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies begins June 28th at OMSI. It features blackened smokers lungs compared to healthy lungs.

Report: Tobacco Companies Spent over $135 Million to Market Products to Kids in Oregon in 2005

In 2005, the latest year in the report, the tobacco companies spent $13.4 billion on marketing nationwide -- $36.6 million a day.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Tobacco companies spent a massive $135.9 million on marketing in Oregon in 2005, with most of it spent on marketing in retail stores that is effective at encouraging kids to smoke, according to a report released today by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

In Oregon, where 17.0 percent of high school students smoke, tobacco use kills 5,000 residents and costs the state $1.11 billion in health care bills.

ATF Serves Warrants on Smokeshops in Oregon and Washington

ATF partners with Washington and Oregon state agencies to crackdown on illegal cigarette trafficking.

(SEATTLE, Wash.) - Seven Federal search warrants were simultaneously served today throughout the states of Washington and Oregon regarding the illegal trafficking of cigarettes, says Special Agent in Charge Kelvin N. Crenshaw, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Six of the warrants were at businesses, residences and a warehouse throughout Washington and one secondary warehouse was located in Clackamas, Oregon.

Oregon`s Governor Signs Safer-Cigarette Bill Into Law

Requires only cigarettes that self-extinguish be sold in Oregon.

(SALEM) - Governor Ted Kulongoski on Tuesday, joined by legislators, Oregon State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr and members of the Oregon fire service, signed into law legislation (HB 2163) requiring all cigarettes sold in Oregon to be self-extinguishing to prevent accidental fires.

From 1999 through 2005, cigarettes caused 8,824 fires in Oregon resulting in 37 deaths, 185 injuries and more than $32 million in direct property loss.

Oregon Bill Takes Aim at Smokers

The proposal faces an uncertain future amid concerns that the bill places an unfair burden on smokers.

(SALEM) - Smokers could have to dig a little deeper in their pockets to buy a pack of cigarettes in Oregon, under legislation pending in the state House of Representatives.

To finance a dramatic expansion of Oregon’s Healthy Kids Program, Gov. Ted Kulongoski is seeking an 84.5-cent increase to the state’s cigarette tax to pay for healthcare coverage for an additional 117,000 uninsured children.

If approved, the state’s cigarette tax would rise to $2.02.