Tobacco Use in Mizoram, Tobacco Control

Tobacco consumption in Mizoram is way above the national average, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2009-10. The report shows the following statistics of consumption of tobacco and smoking in Mizoram–Male (tobacco) – 72.5 %, Female – 61.6 %; Male (Smoking) – 59.4 %, Female – 19 %. The statistics of overall in India reads- Male (tobacco) – 47.9 %, Female – 20.3 % ; Male (Smoking)– 24.3 %, Female – 2.9 %. The ‘Fact Sheet’ showing Mizoram status was opened yesterday at a programme organised by Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society (MSTCS) at I & PR Conference Hall in the presence of Esther Lalruatkimi, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department as well as Chairman of MSTCS . “It is shameful to see the status of Mizoram as shown by the Survey. It testifies the high rate of smoking and tobacco consumption in Mizoram. The statistics shown by the Survey is true and reliable, therefore we can make useful of it to find a better ways and strategies in fighting against tobacco and smoking,” Lalruatkimi said.

Smokefree Policy in Wayne

Smoking will be banned at municipal parks, swimming pools and lakes under an ordinance that the Township Council adopted unanimously on Wednesday night. The smoking prohibition under the ordinance extends to all 1,859 acres of township parks and swimming centers, including parking areas, and bans electronic cigarettes, which some smokers use while trying to quit. The law is expected to go into effect on Sept. 27. “Some day I hope to see no one smoking,” said Councilman Alan Purcell, a former smoker with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Before the ordinance was adopted, smoking had been banned at Dave Waks Memorial Park, which is also known as Barbour Pond Park, as well as at James W. Roe Memorial Pool and Tom’s Lake, but it was allowed in the parking lots at those locations. Smoking was allowed at all other township parks. “For health reasons, this is really in the best interest for all our residents,” Mayor Christopher Vergano said. “Our parks, pools and lakes are used mostly by younger people, and we have an obligation to protect them and others from second-hand smoke.”

Smoke-Free Campus at Cleveland State University

Officials at Cleveland State University are considering a ban on tobacco use on campus. The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports that the board of trustees' financial affairs committee recommended Thursday that the university develop a policy to ban all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco. The full board is expected take up the policy at its November meeting. School officials estimate about 4,400 students and about 300 faculty and staff smoke.

Less Tobacco Use in Turkey

The use of tobacco products is going down in Turkey. While 31.3 percent of people aged 15 and above were using tobacco products in 2008, this number has fallen to 27 percent in 2012, according to data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). According to TÜİK’s 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Study, tobacco usage among the male population has fallen the most drastically. Male usage has dropped 6.5 points among men and only 2.1 points, among women, according to the study. Still, more men smoke than women. In 2008, 47.8 percent of men smoked and 15.2 percent of women. The 2012 figures show that 41.4 percent of men were smokers, while 13.1 percent of women were.