World No Tobacco Day Calls for a Raise in Taxes on Tobacco Products:
May 31st of each year is observed as World No Tobacco Day. Sponsored by the World Health Organization, World No Tobacco Day highlights the health risks of tobacco use and promotes effective actions to reduce tobacco consumption around the world.
Tobacco products kill nearly 6 million people a year and have contributed to 100 million deaths worldwide during the 20th century. Secondhand smoke alone contributes to approximately 600,000 deaths each year. It is estimated that 500 million people alive today will die form the use of tobacco products. By 2030, it is believed that the yearly death total from tobacco products will reach approximately 8 million people.
To stop these preventable deaths the World Health Organization and its partners have called on countries to raise taxes on tobacco products. They believe that raising taxes on tobacco products is one of the most powerful deterrents to the use of tobacco. Research shows that higher taxes can reduce the relative affordability of tobacco products, encourage smokers to quit, reduce cigarette consumption, and discourage the young from taking up smoking. The tax would also generate revenue that governments can invest in future tobacco control efforts. For more information on World No Tobacco Day visit: The World Health Organization or Global Tobacco Control
As previously mentioned on this blog, many railroad workers who were exposed to asbestos during their career also smoked and/or were surrounded by secondhand smoke from coworkers. While the risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos remains, quitting smoking now can reduce the synergistic effect from the combined risks. On this World No Tobacco Day, we stress the importance for those who may have been exposed to asbestos to quit smoking as soon as possible. For help quitting, discuss your options with your doctor or visit: http://www.nyssmokefree.com/ or http://www.smokefree.gov/
If you are a railroad worker who was exposed to asbestos, diesel fumes, or other toxic substances at work, and you have been diagnosed with cancer, placecontact us for information on your legal rights, even if you currently smoke or previously smoked cigarettes. Attorneys at Doran & Murphy represent railroad workers who have developed cancer from occupation exposures to asbestos and diesel exhaust, even if the worker smoked cigarettes.
