Million Adult Smokers in LA County

Less than a million adults are smokers in Los Angeles County, a figure reached for the first time since such data were collected in 1997, according to a new health report. The report, released by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health late Wednesday, found 13.1 percent of all adults were smokers in 2011, the last year for which data were available. That is down from 14.3 percent in 2002 and 2007.

Illegal Cigarettes, Czech Smokers

Czech customs officers uncovered and closed down two plants for the illegal production of cigarettes in the vicinity of Zlin which may have deprived the state of up to 29 million crowns in excise tax, General Customs Authority spokesman Jiri Bartak told CTK Wednesday. A large modern cigarette plant was in Luzkovice village and another smaller facility was situated in the complex of former farm in Vsemina, both South Moravia. "Four cigarette production and packaging lines, over 1.3 million forged cigarettes of Marlboro and Classic brands, six tonnes of cut tobacco, 400,000 pieces of forged Moldovan tobacco labels and millions of components for cigarette production were seized at the illegal plants," Bartak said.

Smoking Advertisements on Smartphones

Tobacco companies have recently found a new way to target individuals for their tobacco products, specifically cigarettes. Plenty of pro-smoking advertisements, many of which feature different cigarette brand names and images, are being promoted on smartphones to a broad range of individuals, including children and teens. A lead author for the study, Nasser Dhim, has said, “The regulation of these apps is lagging behind the legislation in Australia and many other countries which ban tobacco advertising including through the internet and virtual stores.” Dhim also said, “This is despite the fact that the Apple and Android app stores have the technological infrastructure to block the sale of apps in accordance with local laws. As we show in our study Apple has already used this technology to ban access to certain content on its app store, in both China and Saudi Arabia.”

Smokers and Smoking Habit, Leicestershire County Council

Smokers are being urged to stub out their cigarettes as part of national Heart Day tomorrow. Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council cabinet lead member for health, said: "Giving up smoking is the single biggest positive step you can take to reduce your risk of a heart attack. "As your circulation improves, you are more able to be active, which increases the positive impact on your health. "Within three months, walking becomes easier. "Within a year, your risk of a heart attack is half that of a smoker." It is estimated that about 3,000 Leicestershire people have heart disease caused by smoking. Nearly 100,000 adults – 19 per cent – of the county's population are thought to be smokers.

Smoking is Still Banned in Public Areas, Cayman News

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar is reminding residents that smoking in public places is prohibited by the Tobacco Law 2008 and Regulations 2010. Indoor bars and restaurants, office buildings, businesses and other enclosed areas are smoke-free inside as well as up to 10 feet from any entry, exit or other opening. In addition, for the outdoor bars and restaurants, a no smoking area must be designated.

Smoke-Free Legislation on Campus is Revolting

With a new school year underway, we have a new policy on campus affecting many students. The Oregon State University Smoke-Free Policy bans smoking on campus. I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, and don’t plan to, but this new policy is outrageous. First, OSU is a public university, and therefore should never enact a policy, rule, etc., restricting anyone’s freedom. By saying students can’t smoke on campus, our freedom to do as we wish has been taken away.

Haverhill Prohibits Smoking Cigar in Clubs

Local variety and convenience store representatives left City Hall smiling last night after the Board of Health decided not to ban the sale of inexpensive single cigars under the new smoking and tobacco sales rules it adopted. Representatives of local private clubs and veterans’ clubs left wondering what the new rules will mean for them. Under the new regulations, smoking will no longer be allowed in private clubs in Haverhill, and pharmacies in the city will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products. But the clubs will have the option of creating what Board Chairman Dr. Carl Rosenbloom called “negative air pressure rooms,” where only club members will be allowed to smoke. Rosenbloom proposed the option after representatives of local veterans’ organizations voiced opposition to banning smoking in their clubs.

E-cigarettes Popular among Teenagers

Parents and experts are expressing concerns about the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes with teenagers since the product's health effects are still unknown. The electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have been increasingly present in Quebec corner stores over the past year and are being seen as a possible gateway to smoking. The product makes steam similar to tobacco smoke. Health Canada forbids the sale of e-cigarettes that contain nicotine, but authorizes the sale of the nicotine-free version of the product.