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NEWS
ALERT: Chatham and Denville, NJ vote for 100% smokefree parks
7-20-2010
In
July 2010, both communities' town councils voted in favor
of establishing a 100% smokefree policy at their municipal
outdoor recreational areas. Chatham Township also includes
a 50 foot smokefree perimeter around all municipal buildings
and structures. Read the July 20, 2010 Star-Ledger
article on NJ towns banning smoking at outdoor recreational
areas. GASP Executive Director Karen Blumenfeld applauded
the measure and said secondhand smoke is just as serious a
problem in concentrated outdoor areas as it is in smoke-filled
restaurants. “When people think that secondhand smoke cannot
harm people if they’re smoking outdoors, it just is not true."
NEWS
ALERT: New
Jersey Governor Christie ENDS state funding for Comprehensive
Tobacco Control Program
6-22-2010
On
June 22, 2010, New Jersey Governor Christie and New Jersey
Legislative leaders agreed to the budget terms for July 1,
2010 - June 30, 2011. This proposed budget eliminated all
state funding for NJ's Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program
(CTCP). This budget is expected to be approved by the Senate
and Assembly Budget Committees, and the full legislature,
by June 30, 2010.
Since
early 2010, New Jersey tobacco control advocates worked tirelessly
to educate policymakers and the public at large, on the need
to fund CTCP, but to no avail. Going forward in autumn 2010,
the New Jersey legislature may introduce legislation to increase
the licensing fees to sell cigarettes, and create a licensing
fee to sell other tobaccco products, and earmark such fees
to fund CTCP. In the meantime, due to no more state funding
for CTCP, As of July 1, 2010 New Jersey has only very limited
resources devoted to tobacco control programs, most of which
are funded by a small federal grant from the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control. GASP is a recipient of part of this CDC
funding, and GASP will continue its work on tobacco control.
NEWS
ALERT: U.S. Federal Tobacco Control Act provisions take effect
6-22-2010
The
following provisions of the Act, signed into law April 2009,
become effective on June 22, 2010:
-
FDA
rules that limit the sale, distribution, and marketing
of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to protect the health
of children and adolescents become legally enforceable.
-
Provisions
that prohibit the advertising or labeling of tobacco products
with the descriptors “light,” “mild,”
or “low” or similar descriptors without an FDA
order.
-
Requirements
that new, larger health warning labels for smokeless tobacco
products begin to rotate on labels, labeling, and advertising
and begin to be displayed on smokeless tobacco packaging.
Read
the FDA
June 21, 2010 press release. Read the FDA
Center for Tobacco Products 2009-2010 Inaugural Year in Review.
Read all FDA
press releases on the Tobacco Control Act.
ACTION ALERT: Proposed identical NJ Bills S2001/A2897 create
an exemption to the NJ SFAA for cigar nights or smoking events
at racetracks and off-track wagering facilities (OTW).
6-14-2010
On May 27, 2010, Senators Sean Kean and Jennifer Beck introduced
S2001,
which would bring back indoor smoking at racetracks and allow
smoking at OTW facilities. S2001 was referred to the Senate
State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation
Committee. On June 14, Assemblyman Burzichelli and Assemblwoman
Caroline Casagrande introduced the Assembly companion bill
A2897,
which is referred to the Assembly State Government Committee.
Read
GASP's White Paper on public
health and legal concerns with S2001/A2897. These bills
erode the 2006 NJ Smokefree Air Act, and will bring back secondhand
smoke, a class A carcinogen, secondhand smoke, to public places
and workplaces.
NEWS
ALERT: GASP educates casinos about benefits of smokefree gaming
6-11-2010
GASP
continues to educate the casino industry and public-at-large
on the benefits of smokefree casinos. Click
here to read the interview which aired on 5/31 on NBC40,
or here
to watch the video broadcast from NBC40's website. Select
"Smokefree Gaming" from the menu on the left to
learn more.
NEWS
ALERT: Study shows that secondhand smoke exposure is reduced
for children who reside in counties with smokefree laws
6-8-2010
A
new Harvard School of Public Health study, published online
in the June 7, 2010 issue of Pediatrics, found that
children and adolescents living in non-smoking homes in counties
with laws promoting smoke-free public places have significantly
lower levels of a common biomarker of secondhand smoke exposure
than those living in counties with no smoke-free laws. Click
here to read the press release. Click
here to read the abstract.
NEWS
ALERT: 2008 PA Clean Air Act, which lets casinos devote half
the gaming floor to smoking, causes enforcement issues as
well as confusion for customers
6-7-2010
The casinos in PA are supposed to be 50% smokefree, but there
appears to be no enforcement or any rules around the proximity
of the smoking vs. non-smoking areas. To read 4 articles by
Inquirer columnist Monica Yant Kinney, visit
our gaming webpage.
NEWS
ALERT: Study shows > 50,000 gene mutations in lung cancer
from 15 year heavy smoker
6-2-2010
"U.S. researchers from Genentech, the biotechnology unit
of drug manufacturer Roche in California, found about 50,000
genetic mutations in an extracted tumor of a 51-year-old male
patient who smoked an average of 25 cigarettes a day for 15
years, Reuters reported." Click
here to read the news article. Click
here to read the abstract from the journal Nature,
which compared the tumor's genetic changes with the man's
healthy tissue.
NEWS
ALERT: CDC study about adult tobacco use from 2003-2007 says
" Comprehensive, evidence-based tobacco control programs
can substantially reduce tobacco use and smoking prevalence"
6-1-2010
Click
here to read the study, and click
here to see the documented Appendices of the study. Click
here to go to our Budget Alert page and learn how you
can support NJ's tobacco control program, which is targeted
to be eliminated with Governor Christie's proposed 2010-2011
budget.
NEWS
ALERT: Event to raise awareness on smoking cessation in the
Hispanic community
5-22-2010
Global Advisors on Smokefree Policy (GASP) joined LATINO Magazine,
the National Resource Center for Hispanic Mental Health, the
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and other
public health organizations in hosting an event to raise awareness
on smoking cessation in the Hispanic community Wednesday,
May 19 at The New Jersey Medical School in Newark. Click
here for the press release.
A CDC study shows that almost 25 percent of male Hispanics
in grades 9 to 12 are cigarette smokers. Click
here to read a 6-10-2010 news article from the Press of
Atlantic City about the NJ Hispanic community at risk.
NEWS
ALERT: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sets
as a strategic initiative to prevent and reduce tobacco use
5-11-2010
Maintaining
the NJ CTCP aligns with federal strategic initiatives to prevent
and reduce tobacco use. On May 11, 2010, Kathleen Sebelius,
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
outlined her Department's Strategic Initiatives, which includes
preventing and reducing tobacco use. Click
here to read her set of four actions, to accelerate this
initiative.
Read Secretary Sebelius's CNN commentary
from March 19, 2010 entitled, New tobacco rules good for
kids.
NEWS
ALERT: FDA posts guidance for industry and staff on enforcing
regulations related to the sale and distribution of cigarettes
and smokeless tobacco
5-4-2010
On
May 4, 2010 the FDA posted a Guidance for Industry and FDA
Staff on enforcing 2 specific regulations under the new Act,
regarding implementation starting on June 22, 2010. Of particular
note is the FDA Guidance that relates to the Act's requirement
of using black text on a white background for labeling or
advertising of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (rule does
not apply to other types of tobacco). The Guidance states
that due to a pending lawsuit in Kentucky about this particular
labeling/advertising restriction, the FDA will not enforce
this restriction in the USA, while the lawsuit is pending.
Click
here for the text from the Guidance.
NEWS ALERT: FDA can ban importation of e-cigarettes into the
USA
4-2-2010
On
April 2, 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals (District of Columbia)
ruled that the FDA can ban the importation of e-cigarettes
into the USA, during the pending of a lawsuit filed by the
e-cigarette company plaintiffs. The U.S. Court of Appeals
reversed a lower court decision that disallowed the FDA from
banning the importation of e-cigarettes while the litigation
proceeded. This April 2, 2010 ruling is a win for the FDA.
Read the April 2, 2010 U.S.
Court of Appeals decision. Read the April 1, 2010 newsclip
about the Court of Appeals decision.
On
May 24, 2010, the FDA filed its appellate
brief for the pending lawsuit being heard by the District
of Columbia Court of Appeals, in its e-cigarettes lawsuit,
and national tobacco control organizations filed an amicus
brief on behalf of the FDA's case. All court papers on
this appeal are due by July 22, 2010.
ACTION
ALERT: NJ Governor Christie Plans to END State's Tobacco Control
Program
3-18-2010
Click
here to visit GASP's Budget Alert
Page to learn how you can voice your concerns about the
proposed cut to CTCP funding.
NEWS
ALERT: Study shows smokers who quit see improved artery health
within year
3-17-2010
A
large group of smokers from Wisconsin who quit had a significant
improvement in the health of their arteries within a year
of their last cigarette, equivalent to a 14% reduction in
the risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking
has long been associated with the build-up of plaque in arteries,
including those in the heart. One-third of premature smoking
deaths are due to cardiovascular disease.
The
study involved 1,500 smokers from Milwaukee and Madison, with
a subject receiving ultrasound reading of an artery in the
arm, to gauge flow-mediated dilation (the ability of the brachial
artery to relax). The test is a proven predictor of heart
disease risk. The test also measures the function of the active
layer of endothelial cells that line the inside of arteries,
which respond to a variety of stimuli, allowing vessels to
contract or relax.
Those
in the study who quit smoking had an improvement in flow-mediated
dilation from 6.2% to 7.2%. An optimal number is closer to
10%, and continuing to abstain from smoking beyond one year
likely would lead to more artery health improvement. In addition
to improving their artery health, those who quit also had
an average increase in HDL cholesterol (the good kind) of
about three points.
The
study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of
Health, and the study's findings were published in the Journal
of the American College of Cardiology, and presented at the
March 2010 annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology.
Click
here to read a newspaper article about the study. Click
here for the abstract and the full study.
NEWS
ALERT: Children exposed to secondhand smoke face a higher
risk of developing early signs of clogged arteries
3-9-2010
Children
exposed to secondhand smoke between ages 8 to 13 are more
likely to show thickening of blood vessel walls, a precursor
to hardening and clogging of arteries. Children exposed to
the most SHS had higher levels of apolipoprotein B, which
contributes to "bad" cholesterol, another heart disease risk
factor. The findings suggest that children should not be exposed
to SHS at any level; even small amounts of shs exposure may
be harmful for blood vessels. The researchers concluded that
children need to be provided with a smokefree environment.
Click
here to read the March, 2010 abstract and study published
in the American Heart Association journal, Circulation:
Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
NEWS
ALERT: Outdoor Smoking Ban legislation heard 2/18 by NJ Senate
Health Committee
2-19-2010
Three
bills which would create 100% smokefree recreation areas on
public property throughout the state were heard on 2/18 by
the Senate Health Committee. The bills, S443, S889 and S669
may be consolidated and together would include parks, beaches,
sports facilities, amusement parks and other recreational
facilities. The Senate health committee was expected to vote
2/18, but the panel instead decided to hold the legislation
as they clarify the definitions in the bill, and it's not
known when a vote may be scheduled. The combined bill would
amend the NJ SFAA.
Supporters
who testified included Dr. Fred Jacobs, GASP Board President
and chair of NJ Breathes; Dr. Marc Steinberg, Director, Mercer
County Tobacco Dependence Program; Cindy Zipf, Executive Director
of Clean Ocean Action; John Weber, East Coast Regional Manager
of Surfrider Foundation; Ben Ross, Youth Advocate and Former
State Chair, REBEL and two additional students from Atlantic
County REBEL; Jeff Tittle from Sierra Club and Jennifer Sullivan
from American Cancer Society.
Go to GASP's Outdoor Bans webpage
for more information.
NEWS
ALERT: Free Nicorette starter packs offered to participants
of Legacy's EX® program
1-20-10
To
better help smokers looking to quit fulfill their New Year’s
resolutions, the American Legacy Foundation and GlaxoSmithKline
Consumer Healthcare are partnering to offer free Nicorette
starter packs to more than 125,000 members of Legacy's
EX® program where smokers “re-learn life without
cigarettes” with a free, comprehensive three-step quit
plan and access to a robust online community. Click
here to read the press release.
NEWS
ALERT: NJ Governor Jon Corzine signs into law a ban on the
use of electronic cigarettes in public places and workplaces,
and a ban their sale to those under 19 years of age
1-11-10
On
January 11, 2010, New Jersey Governor Corzine signed into
law A4227/4228, which bans the use of e-cigarettes in public
places and workplaces (amended the 2006 NJ Smokefree Air Act),
and ban e-cigarette sales to people 18 years and younger.
This is the first state law of its kind, in the nation, with
the New Jersey Senate and Assembly both voting unanimously
in favor of the law. The law takes effect in 60 days. Click
here to read A-4227/4228.
Click
here for GASP's white paper documenting concerns related
to e-cigarettes.
On
November 23, the Paramus Board of Health passed an ordinance
restricting e-cigarette use in public places and workplaces.
Click
here to read the ordinance which took effect on December
1. In October, The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders
passed a resolution to ban the use of e-cigarettes in county
buildings and at county parks.
NEWS
ALERT: Children regularly exposed to tobacco smoke are more
likely to develop early emphysema in adulthood
12-30-09
A
study published in the December 2009 American Journal of Epidemiology
suggests that the lungs may not recover completely from the
effects of early-life exposures to tobacco, leading to early
onset emphysema in adults. Click
here to read the study by researchers at Columbia University's
Mailman School of Public Health. This population-based research
by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health
is the first to examine the association of childhood ETS with
early emphysema by CT scan in nonsmokers.
NEWS
ALERT: "The Pack" is available on DVD
12-21-09
The award-winning feature film, The
Pack, starring Lucie Arnaz, Roger Robinson, Elisabeth
Moss, et al, about second-hand smoke & personal responsibility
is now available
to be purchased on DVD and for rental from Netflix.
If purchasing, please put "GASP" in the promotional/coupon
box when paying for the DVD, and 20% of the proceeds go to
GASP!
NEWS
ALERT: World Health Organization estimates that secondhand
smoke kills 600,000 people every year
12-16-09
A new
Report issued on December 9, 2009 by the United Nations'
World Health Organization, estimates that worldwide, secondhand
smoking kills about 600,000 people every year. This is approximately
the same number of people who are killed by measles or women
who die during childbirth each year, according to the
Report's
Summary (page 18). Of all
deaths attributable to second-hand tobacco smoke, 31% occur
among children and 64% occur among women. Also, more carcinogens
are identified in secondhand smoke than what are breathed
in by the actual smoker.
The
report, entitled WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic
2009: Implementing Smoke-free Environments, reports that in
the United States, approximately 50,000 deaths are attributable
to exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. This figure accounts
for 11% of all tobacco-related deaths in the United States.
Worldwide, the WHO estimates that tobacco use kills at least
5 million people every year.
The
WHO urges countries to take stronger measures to combat smoking,
including protecting people from smoke, and raising taxes
on tobacco products. The report's Key
Recommendations (page 33) include:
- Legislation
that mandates completely smoke-free environments, not voluntary
policies, is necessary to protect public health.
- Legislation
should be simple, clear and enforceable, and comprehensive.
Click
here to access the WHO's dedicated webpage to this Report.
Click
here to read Time magazine's article.
NEWS
ALERT: NJ legislature votes unanimously to ban electronic
cigarette use in public places and workplaces, and to ban
their sale to those under 19 years of age; Paramus, NJ bans
use of e-cigarettes in public places and workplaces
12-10-09
On December 10, the NJ Senate voted unanimously to restrict
the use of electronic cigarettes (aka e-cigarettes) in public
places and workplaces and to ban e-cigarette sales to people
18 years and younger; the full Assembly voted unanimously
on December 7. The bill awaits Governor Corzine's signature.
(A-4227/S3053). This will be the first statewide legislation
of its kind in the nation. The NJ Assembly Health and Senior
Services Committee unanimously voted in favor of both bills
on November 23, 2009, as did the NJ Senate Health, Human Services
and Senior Citizens Committee on December 7. Click
here to read A-4227.
On
November 23, the Paramus Board of Health passed an ordinance
restricting e-cigarette use in public places and workplaces.
Click
here to read the ordinance which took effect on December
1. In October, The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders
passed a resolution to ban the use of e-cigarettes in county
buildings and at county parks.
Click
here for GASP's white paper documenting concerns related
to e-cigarettes.
NEWS
ALERT: National Report shows NJ falls short in investing tobacco
revenues in tobacco control and prevention efforts
12-9-09
Campaign
for Tobacco Free Kids, American Cancer Society, American Lung
Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation issued
their national report, "A Broken Promise to our Children:
The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 11 years Later." The
report assessed whether each state kept their promise to use
funds from the state tobacco settlements for tobacco control
and prevention.
According
to this national report, New Jersey ranks 38th in the nation
in funding tobacco programs. New Jersey's spending on tobacco
prevention amounts to only 0.9% of the estimated $968 million
in tobacco-generated revenue the state collects each year
from settlement payments and tobacco taxes.
Over
the last five years, the New Jersey tobacco program funding
has decreased from $30 million (Master Settlement funding)
to its current $7.5 million (Excise Tax funding). While New
Jersey has implemented some key measures to reduce tobacco
use, New Jersey is far behind the $119 milllion level of funding
recommended by Centers for Disease Control.
It is crucial for New Jersey to continue making progress by
implementing key measures/funding tobacco prevention programs
to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit, and therefore
reduce tobacco use in New Jersey. Tobacco prevention is a
smart investment that not only reduces smoking but also saves
thousands of dollars by reducing tobacco-related health care
costs.
Click
here to read the NJ report. Click
here to read the Millenium Radio newsclip.
NEWS
ALERT: Tobacco Firms Exploit Tax Loophole
11-19-09
Federal legislation that took effect April 2009 changed the
tax rates on tobacco. The tax on roll-your-own tobacco products
increased from $1.10 to $24.78 per pound. However, some tobacco
companies re-packaged their roll-your-own tobacco, so it falls
under the category of pipe tobacco, which has a much lower
tax rate. State and federal tax rates on other tobacco products
(OTPs) can be raised, to make OTP retail pricing similar to
that for cigarettes, to help discourage smokers to quit, rather
than switch to less costly OTPs.
Pipe tobacco can be flavored, since flavored OTPs are exempted
from the federal Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control
Act (FSPTCA). Flavored tobacco is enticing to children and
teens, which can use pipe tobacco to roll their own cigarettes.
FSPTCA took effect on September 22, 2009, only bans flavored
cigarettes, except menthol is still permitted. Click
here to read an article about the avoidance of the tax
leading to a
surge in pipe tobacco sales.
NEWS
ALERT: Screening of award-winning feature film, The Pack
11-11-09
On November 18, 2009, The
Pack, written and directed by Alyssa Rallo Bennett, will
be screened at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life
fundraiser. An after-party follows the film.
The
Pack is a no-holds barred, stark look at the horrors of tobacco
use and nicotine addiction, inspired by true events. It is
"Silkwood", "The Insider", and "12
Angry Men" all rolled into one. Click
here for event details.
NEWS
ALERT: November is American Diabetes Month
11-03-09
Smoking and secondhand smoke are both risk factors for diabetes.
Learn more on our Diabetes and Tobacco
web section. Click
here to read about community events on the American Diabetes
Association website.
NEWS
ALERT: New York City to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products
10-23-09
Mayor
Bloomberg is expected to sign an
ordinance passed by City Council that bans flavored tobacco,
except menthol, wintergreen and mint. Advocates argued a flavored
tobacco ban was necessary to protect children.
Read
NYC Council President's press statement in support of the
Council's ban on flavored tobacco.
Read
the Daily News article about the ban.
ACTION
ALERT: Passaic County walk to be tobacco free on Saturday,
November 14 at 9AM
10-23-09
The
Passaic County Council for a Tobacco Free NJ and the Passaic
County Cancer Coalition are coordinating a walk to kick-off
the Great American Smoke Out, the annual event to encourage
smokers to quit cigarettes for at least 24 hours with the
hope they will quit completely. Click
here for complete information.
ACTION
ALERT: Atlantic City One Year Review of Casino Smoking Ordinance
10-21-09
Click
here to read the NJ Star-Ledger's October 21 Editorial
in support of 100% smokefree Atlantic City in casinos.
Atlantic
City Council's Revenue and Finance Committee is required to
review Ordinance #95, which took effect on October 27, 2008.
Ordinance #95 reinstated smoking on 25% of the gaming floors
following the casinos being smokefree for one month from October
15 to November 15, 2008. Click
here to read the letter GASP's letter to the Council for
the review dated October 2009. Click
here to see a summary of 2008 monthly casino revenue as
reported by the NJ Casino Control Commission, that shows better
revenues when the casinos were 100% smokefree for one month.
Click
here
to read about the history of the Atlantic City ordinances
on smoking restrictions in the casino, which started in November
2007.
Click
here
to contact the 2010 Atlantic City Council and Mayor, to share
your concerns about the hazards of secondhand smoke on the
gaming floors. The Atlantic City Council's meeting schedule
for December 2009 was:
- Wednesday,
October 21 at 5pm, Atlantic City Council, 2nd floor, City
Hall
- Wednesday,
November 4 at NOON, Revenue and Finance Commitee, 2nd floor,
City Hall
- Tuesday,
November 10 at 5pm, Atlantic City Council meeting, 2nd floor,
City Hall
- Wednesday,
November 18 at NOON, Revenue and Finance Commitee, 2nd floor,
City Hall
- Tuesday,
November 24 at 5pm, Atlantic City Council meeting, 2nd floor,
city Hall
- Wednesday,
December 2 at NOON, Revenue and Finance Commitee, 2nd floor,
City Hall
- Wednesday,
December 9 at 5pm, Atlantic City Council meeting, 2nd floor,
City Hall
- Wednesday,
December 23 at NOON, Revenue and Finance Commitee, 2nd floor,
City Hall
- Wednesday,
December 30 at 5pm, Atlantic City Council meeting, 2nd floor,
City Hall
NEWS
ALERT: Institute of Medicine report concludes smoking bans
reduce heart attacks
10-16-09
The
study, Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects,
published in October 2009 by the Institute of Medicine, reviews
scientific literature to assess the relationship between exposure
to secondhand smoke and acute coronary events. The report
brief concludes:
"Data
consistently demonstrates that secondhand-smoke exposure
increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks
and that smoking bans reduce heart attacks. Given the prevalence
of heart attacks, and the resultant deaths, smoking bans
can have a substantial impact on public health. The savings,
as measured in human lives, is undeniable."
Click
here to read the report brief. Click
here to read the executive summary of the report.
NEWS
ALERT: Trenton Pyschiatric hospital goes smokefree
10-8-09
On
October 7, 2009, the outdoor smoking ban took effect at Trenton
Psychiatric Hospital, making it the 3rd in the state to go
smokefree. Greystone Park in Parsippany and Ancora in Winslow
both went smokefree in July 8, 2009. The law covers patients,
employees and visitors. Click
here to read the article from The Trenton Times.
NEWS
ALERT: Bergen County passes Resolution to ban use of e-cigarettes
at all county parks where children are present and inside
county buildings and county vehicles.
10-8-09
Click
here to read the press release. Click
here to read the resolution.
Click
here for GASP's white paper documenting concerns related
to e-cigarettes.
NEWS
ALERT: First ordinance in the US to ban the use of e-cigarettes
and sale to minors
10-6-09
The
Suffolk County Legislature (New York) is the first ordinance
in the nation to ban the use of e-cigarettes in workplaces
and public places. The ordinance was voted through on August
18, and will take effect on November 1, 2009. Click
here for the ordinance. Click
here for the press release.
At
an October 6 press conference in Paramus, NJ, Assemblywoman
Connie Wagner announced her plans to introduce a ban on the
use of e-cigarettes in public places and workplaces in New
Jersey. The Paramus, NJ Board of Health is introducing an
ordinance to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public places
and workplaces on October 26. The Bergen County, NJ Board
of Chosen Freeholders is introducing a resolution on October
7, to do the same inside Bergen County buildings and county
parks/playgrounds. GASP was an invited speaker at the press
conference, providing research and information on the concerns
of e-cigarettes.
Read
the newsclips on the October 6 Bergen County press conference
from the Associated
Press and the Bergen
Record.
Click
here for GASP's white paper documenting concerns related
to e-cigarettes.
NEWS
ALERT: Smoking bans in public places reduce the number of
heart attacks.
9-25-09
A
research team pooled data from 13 studies of smoking bans
in communities in the United States, Canada and Europe and
looked at heart attack rates. The study, published in the
journal Circulation, concluded that heart attack rates fall
immediately after smoking bans are put in place, dropping
by 17 percent in the first year and by as much as 36 percent
after three years. Click
here to read the Reuters news article - another reason
NJ's gaming industry employees deserve 100% smokefree workplaces.
Click
here to read the front page article written by GASP and
published in the Gaming Industry Observer about current smokefree
trends in the industry.
NEWS
ALERT: Fatty liver deposits attributed to secondhand tobacco
smoke
9-23-09
Secondhand
smoke exposure can induce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) in people who drink little or no alcohol. Click
here to read details of the study published in the September
issue of the Journal of Hepatology.
NEWS
ALERT: NJ bill to be introduced that bans smoking in parks
and beaches
9-18-09
Senator
Barbara Buono plans to introduce a bill in the NJ Legislature
later this year, to ban smoking in NJ's state, county and
local parks (including playgrounds) and beaches. Click
here to read the press release. See
the NJ Star-Ledger front page article.
According to GASP, outdoor smoking concentrations can be as
high as indoor concentrations where smoking could take place.
See law review article on the subject.
GASP maintains a local database of all tobacco control ordinances
in NJ, which shows that NJ already has more than 100 municipal
ordinances that prohibit smoking outdoors, whether it is a
perimeter from local government buildlings' entrances and
exits, or parks, playgrounds and beach areas. Seaside Heights
just passed a law limiting smoking on their beaches.
Please take two online polls on the bill at the Star
Ledger at ABC
News.
NEWS
ALERT: FDA bans flavored cigarettes on September 22, 2009
8-14-09
On
September 22, 2009 the FDA regulation that bans certain characterizing
flavors in cigarettes, takes effect:
"a
cigarette... shall not contain, as a constituent (including
a smoke constituent) or additive, artificial or natural flavor
(other than tobacco or menthol) or an herb or spice, including
strawberry, grape, orange, clove, cinnamon, pineapple, vanilla,
coconut, licorice, cocoa, chocolate, cherry, or coffee, that
is a characterizing flavor of the tobacco product or tobacco
smoke."
Click
here for the September 14, 2009 FDA letter to the tobacco
industry.
NEWS
ALERT: Shisha or hookah smoking "as harmful as cigarettes"
according to a UK Ministry of Health study
8-24-09
Click
here to read the BBC News article about the study. The
key finding is that the carbon monoxide levels exhaled by
people who just smoke hookah, exceeded those of heavy smokers,
and it affected 8-12% of their blood. The article stated that
"high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to brain damage
and unconsciousness". The article also states "one
session of smoking shisha - that's 10 milligrams (of fruit
tobacco) for 30 minutes - gave carbon monoxide levels that
were at the lowest four and five times higher than having
a cigarette." Click here to
go to the hookah section of our website.
NEWS
ALERT: Pennsylvania allows the Sands Bethlehem slot casino
to increase smoking on the gaming floor from 25% to 50%
8-25-09
The
Pennsylvania Clean Air Act of 2008 permits the expansion.
Click
here to read the news article.
The Sands
Bethlehem press release dated August 24, 2009 states high
demand from guests as the reason for permitting smoking at
more slot machines, and "...The casino, which features
a state-of-the-art air filtration system originally designed
to handle smoking on 100 percent of the floor, will continue
to feature smoke-free zones on 50 percent of the gaming floor."
GASP believes that allowing smoking on any part of the gaming
floor, let alone 50%, obviates any sort of "smoke-free
zones", since the secondhand smoke mixes throughout the
air,as proven by countless air testing studies in casinos,
including the 2009
NIOSH report.
After the announcement to increase smoking to 50% of the Sand's
gaming floor, the
Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania Express-Times on August 26, 2009
issued an editorial that supports 100% smokefree casinos
in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
NEWS
ALERT: Electronic Cigarette Sales and Use Banned in Oregon.
7-30-09
Oregon
Attorney General bans sale of e-cigarettes. Click
here to read his statement. Washington DC-based advocacy
organization, ASH, is petitioning
the other 49 Attorneys General to consider doing the same.
More information on ASH's concerns with e-cigarettes is at
http://ash.org/ashprecigs
and
http://www.pr-inside.com/fda-to-regulate-e-cigarettes-as-toxins-r1403601.htm.
NEWS
ALERT: Electronic Cigarette Sales and Use Banned in Israel.
7-30-09
The
Israeli Health Ministry has banned electronic cigarettes,
both the import and use of those previously brought into the
country. The product is marketed as an aid to help smokers
stop smoking. The move comes in the wake of a health warning
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the product.
Click
here to read the article.
NEWS
ALERT: FDA Report Regarding Potential Public Health Risks
of Electronic Cigarettes
7-22-09
On
Wednesday, July 22, 2009, public health experts joined FDA
Principal Deputy Commissioner Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., and
Matthew McKenna, M.D., Director of the Office of Smoking and
Health for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
to discuss the potential health risks associated with electronic
cigarettes, also known as "e-cigarettes." This type
of cigarette emits a vapor that simulates smoking a real cigarette.
Click
here to visit the FDA website with more information about
this product.
Click
here to go to Senator Lautenberg's website and read his
statement on the health risks of e-cigarettes as outlined
in the FDA Report.
Click
here for GASP's white paper documenting concerns related
to e-cigarettes.
NEWS
ALERT: No Smoking Outdoors at 2 State Pyschiatric hospitals
7-8-09
On
July 8, 2009, an outdoor smoking ban took effect at two NJ
state psychiatric hospitals: Greystone Park in Parsippany,
and Ancora in Hammonton. The law covers patients, employees
and visitors. The bans at were instituted after more than
a year of smoking cessation programs aimed at preparing patients
and staff.
Similar
bans are planned at three other state psychiatric facilities:
Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Glen Gardner, the Trenton
Psychiatric Hospital and Ann Klein Forensic Center in Trenton.
Click here to read the newsclip.
NEWS
ALERT: The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
(a.k.a. FDA Regulations HR 1256)
6-22-09
The
Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (a.k.a.
FDA regulations HR 1256), was signed by President Obama on
June 22, 2009. This legislation gives the FDA authority to
regulate cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, along
with other restrictions on cigarette and smokeless tobacco
product advertising, and to ban flavorings in cigarettes (except
for menthol).
Click here to
go to the Tobacco Free Kids website to watch the video of
President Obama signing the legislation on June 22 in the
Rose Garden of the White House.
Click here
for a copy of the legislation.
Click
here to read the implementation timeline for the regulations.
Click
here to read the Associated Press story that summarizes
some of the restrictions.
Click
here to read a detailed summary of HR1256.
NEWS
ALERT: Cigarette sales tax increased by 12.5 cents, effective
July 1, 2009
6-25-09
A4103/S2012
(amends NJSA 54:40A-8) increases the NJ state cigarette sales
tax per pack by 12.5 cents (from $2.575 to $2.70 per pack),
effective July 1, 2009. The Governor signed the budget bill
on June 29 which included the increase. The bill will increase
the State's cigarette tax collections by $26.5 million (for
fiscal year 2010).
NJ
has the 3rd highest state cigarette sales tax in the nation
at $2.70 (Rhode Island is #1 at $3.46/pack, New York State
is #2 at $2.75/pack; New York City adds on $1.50, making it
the highest combined state-local cigarette sales tax in the
nation at $4.25/pack).
Studies
show that increasing the price of cigarettes can motivate
smokers to quit smoking.
Click
here to read S2012
Click
here to read the companion statement to S2012
NEWS
ALERT: S2151 passed the NJ Senate to ban the sale of novelty
lighters.
6-18-09
On June 18, S2151, which bans the sale of novelty lighters,
passed the NJ Senate. Companion bill A3207 previously passed
the Assembly. Both bills await the Governor's signature. The
ban would cover novelty lighters that are designed to resemble
any cartoon character, animal, musical instrument, toy, gun,
watch, vehicle, food, or beverage or similar articles, or
which play musical notes, have flashing lights, or have other
entertaining features, with some exemptions, such as devices
primarily used to ignite fuel for fireplaces or for charcoal
or gas grills; or standard lighters that are printed or decorated
with logos, labels, decals, or artwork, or heat shrinkable
sleeves.
The police and fire officials can confiscate novelty lighters
in violation. Up to $1,000 fine for 1st offense, up to $2,000
fine for subsequent offense. The Attorney General has enforcement
powers under the consumer fraud act P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1
et seq.), to conduct investigations; to issue subpoenas and
conduct hearings; and to seek and obtain injunctions in Superior
Court.
Click
here to read the bill.
ACTION
ALERT: Free lung screenings, to study health effects of secondhand
smoke
5-28-09
Starting
on June 1, a free CT lung scan screening program will begin
in Mays Landing (near Atlantic City), for people significantly
exposed to secondhand smoke. Individuals who meet the screening
criteria will receive a free CT lung scan. Only 550 individuals
will be screened this year at this location, starting with
50 people for the month of June.
The research study is designed to enhance the early detection
and treatment of diseases related to secondhand smoke, including
emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases,
sinusitis, osteoporosis, and lung cancer. The screening is
part of a global study on the health effects of secondhand
smoke.
For
more information on this screening, and at other locations,
please contact GASP at 908-273-9368.
ACTION
ALERT: May 31 marked World No Tobacco Day.
5-31-09
On
May 31, 2009, advocates around the world celebrated the 21st
anniversary of "World No Tobacco Day", sponsored
by the World Health Organization. This year's theme is "Tobacco
Health Warnings", which are a strong defense against
the global epidemic of tobacco. Click
here to see some photos about the World No Tobacco
Day events held in New Jersey.
Click
here to see the schedule of World No Tobacco Day
events that were held around the state.
Click
here for more information on World No Tobacco Day.
Click
here for more ideas to organize your own World No Tobacco
Day event for 2010.
ACTION
ALERT: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) releases study on secondhand smoke in Las Vegas Casinos.
5-13-09
NIOSH
conducted air testing at three Las Vegas casinos, and biomarker
testing of Las Vegas casino employees who work on the smoky
gaming floors. NIOSH's Health Hazard Evaluation Report's key
recommendation is (on page 21 of the report):
"We
recommend eliminating tobacco from the casinos and implementing
a smoking cessation program. The casinos should also eliminate
smoking near building entrances and air intakes to protect
employees from involuntary exposure to ETS. A physician should
evaluate employees with respiratory symptoms, especially symptoms
related to asthma that are associated with workplace exposures."
Please contact your New Jersey legislators to share NIOSH's
recommendations, since smoking is still permitted on the Atlantic
City gaming floors where casino employees work and patrons
gamble.
- Click
here
if you'd like to read or post a comment on the NIOSH Science
Blog on Secondhand Smoke and Casino Dealers.
- Click
here
to read the LIST mailing sent from GASP on May 13, 2009
to educate New Jersey legislators on the findings.
- Click
here to read the May 7, 2009 Press of Atlantic City
article.
- Click
here to link to the NIOSH webpage on the study.
- Click
here to read the full NIOSH report.
ACTION
ALERT: On March 10 the NJ Senate Health Committee heard testimony
on Bill S236
The
committee heard testimony on Bill S236 which eliminates smoking
ban exemptions for casinos and simulcasting facilities. To
read the GASP testimony in support of the bill, click
here. To
read GASP'S list of supporting documents on smokefree casinos,
click here.
To
read about the concerns with the current 75-25% split of smoking
areas on the casino gaming floors, click
here. To view the GASP list of jurisdictions with smokefree
gaming, click
here.
ACTION
ALERT: Do not cut state funding of NJ's tobacco control program
5-14-2009
Click
here to read the May 8, 2009 front page Star Ledger
article on why New Jersey needs to fund cessation centers,
quoting GASP President Fred. M. Jacobs, MD, JD.
Click
here to read the May 5, 2009 Star Ledger Op-Ed,
by GASP President Fred M. Jacobs, MD, JD. It details why New
Jersey should not cut funding for the state's Comprehensive
Tobacco Control Program, and the need for increased smoking
cessation services due to new federal tobacco tax increases
and other economic and health factors.
Click
here to read the April 27, 2009 Harvard School of Public
Health press release, on their recent study which found that:
- Smoking
is the leading preventable risk factor for premature mortality
in the United States.
-
Smoking is responsible for 467,000 premature deaths each
year.
- Smoking
was the leading cause of death in men, killing an estimated
248,000 annually, or 21 percent of all adult male deaths.
Click
here to read the complete Harvard study.
Click
here to read the May 14, 2009 LIST mailing sent to inform
legislators on the key points of the above articles and publications.
Click
here to read the March 25, 2009 Star Ledger article,
quoting GASP President Fred M. Jacobs, MD, JD, on the concern
with proposed New Jersey budget cuts to the State's Comprehensive
Tobacco Control Program.
Please
contact state leadership ASAP!
New
Jersey Governor Corzine's preliminary budget, released in
January 2009, proposes a budget cut to NJ's state-funded Comprehensive
Tobacco Control Program (CTCP). CTCP's budget has been decimated
by more than 70% since its inception (original funding was
$30 million), resulting in drastic reductions in CTCP functions
and services. Last year, the budget cut CTCP's funding by
$2.4 million, reducing CTCP's budget from $11 million to $8.6
million. The Centers for Disease Control recommends $119 million/year
in funding for NJ's CTCP. CTCP save lives. It is operating
on less than a shoe-string budget. Any further budget cuts
to CTCP will result in less programs and services to help
those in need.
Contact
Governor Jon Corzine, the Chairs of the Senate and Assembly
Budget Committees, Senator Paul Sarlo and Assemblyman Louis
Greenwald, and the legislative leadership in the Senate and
Assembly, that the CTCP budget should not be cut, but rather
restored to $11 million. Click
here for a sample letter that you can email or mail. Please
cc info@njgasp.org if you send an email. Their contact
information is:
When calling
or writing to the Governor and Legislators, please request:
·
PRIORITY:
At a minimum,
to restore funding at $7 million for the State Comprehensive
Tobacco Control Program.
·
Support
the CTCP’s smoking cessation programs, which help to reduce
state healthcare costs in the long run.
·
Consider
a 5-year plan to reach closer to the Centers for Disease Control
funding recommendation of $119 million.
·
Increase
the licensing fees and taxes to sell tobacco.
·
Click
here for GASP's brief paper on how increasing New Jersey's
cigarette licensing fees could generate over $16 million in
state revenues, and creating a state licensing fee structure
for other tobacco products would generate millions in state
revenues.
ACTION
ALERT: Legislators from gaming states vote to support 100%
smokefree gaming
1-10-2009
On
January 10, 2009, the National Council of Legislators from
Gaming States overwhelmingly passed a resolution to promote
and support 100% smokefree gaming. The resolution was offered
by NJ GASP. Click
here to read the press release. Click
here to read the resolution. Please contact your NJ state
legislators to share this new information and how it can impact
Atlantic City casinos. Click
here to find your legislators. Please copy NJ GASP on
correspondence with the legislators.
ACTION ALERT: Report sale of flavored cigarettes
12-1-2008
As
of December 1, 2008, New Jersey is the first state to implement
a ban on the sale or distribution of flavored cigarettes under
NJSA 2A:170-51.5 et seq. (menthol and clove are exempted).
Click here
for the text of the law. If you observe that these types of
cigarettes are being sold or given out in NJ after November
30, 2008, please contact your local health department and
ask the inspector to investigate. Fines are $250 for first
violation, $500 or more for the second violation, and $1,000
for the third and each subsequent violation, in a summary
proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction.
If you are a local health officer or inspector, please click
here
for NJ Health Commissioner Heather Howard's letter to the
local health officers. Click
here for the state's implementation guidelines.
Note that little cigars, small cigars, cigarillos, large cigars,
pipe tobacco or smokeless tobacco are exempted.
Sample packs of flavored cigarettes can be viewed with the
links below. The packaging clearly shows flavors (e.g. mochamint
or margarita). The key to the law is that the flavors need
to impart a distinguishable flavor, taste or aroma, or that
the cigarettes are marketed/advertised as flavored. Some samples
are:
-RJR
has the Winter Brands Camel cigarettes called Winter Mocha
Mint and Warm Winter Toffee. The boxes look square-like
in shape, and like candy boxes. http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/adgallery/display.php3?ID=411
-RJR also has the Summer Brands for Camel cigarettes, that
are named Kauai Kolada, Margarita Mixer, Beach Breezer.
See http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/adgallery/display.php3?ID=402
-RJR has Camel Exotic Brands, and flavors like Bayou Blast
(berry flavor) http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/adgallery/display.php3?ID=401
-Brown & Williamson makes the Kool Smooth Fusions, such
as Mocha Taboo, Caribbean Chill, Midnight Berry and Mintriquehas.
Here is the berry flavor: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/adgallery/display.php3?ID=408
-Salem Silver Label brands Cool Myst (vanilla), Fire &
Ice (spicy), Dark Currents (berry) or Deep Freeze (spearmint)
come in silver aluminum-like tins. http://store.vintagepaperads.com/servlet/-strse-23557/2004-Salem-Silver-Label/Detail
-For other brands, go to http://www.cigarettesamerica.com/index.php/cPath/92,
and in the search box, type in vanilla, or chocolate, berry,
etc.; samples of flavored cigarettes in other lesser-known
brands pop up.
-Kretek, under the Djarum brand, advertises a cappuccino
flavor and a tea flavor. We are not privy to the ingredients
list, but it appears that ad additive is imparting these
flavors. Click on the following links for photos of the
packs:http://www.kretek-cigarettes.com/djarum-clove-cigarettes/djarum-black-cappuccino.html
http://www.kretek-cigarettes.com/djarum-clove-cigarettes/djarum-black-tea.html
ACTION ALERT: Contact Atlantic City Council/Mayor to bring back smokefree
casinos
11-16-08
On November 16, 2008, smoking returned to the Atlantic
City casino gaming floors. The casino industry pressured Atlantic
City's City Council to rescind smokefree casinos Ordinance
#27 that created smokefree casinos (click
here for #27), and brought back smoking on the gaming
floors by passing local Ordinance #95 on November 16 (click
here for #95 which was originally introduced as 16-H).
Click
here to view the history of Atlantic City's ordinances
on smokefree casinos dating back to November 2006. Read the
November
18, 2008 NY Times editorial in favor of smokefree casinos
in Atlantic City, and the October
7, 2008 Star Ledger editorial, also in favor of smokefree
casinos in Atlantic City.
Ordinance #95 allows up to 25% of the gaming
floors to be smoking-permitted. The gaming floors are open
floor spaces, which allows for smoke to waft from smoking
to nonsmoking areas. The casinos designate the smoking and
nonsmoking areas next to one another, in effect creating one
large smoky area, regardless of the designation. This Ordinance
subjects thousands of workers and patrons to toxic carcinogenic
secondhand smoke every day.
From October 15 through November 15, 2008, the casino
gaming floors were 100% smokefree, for workers and patrons
alike. Most of the casinos built separately enclosed and ventilated
nonstaffed smoking lounges (the ordinance allowed for these
rooms), where patrons could take a smoking break. The casino
workers reported a smooth transition on October 15 when the
casino gaming floors went smokefree, and that the gaming floors
were very busy. The workers also reported that health problems
from secondhand smoke exposure disappeared during this one-month
smokefree timeframe.
But on October 27, Atlantic City's Ordinance #95 was
voted through 5-4, and signed by then mayor Scott Evans, taking
effect 20 days later on November 16. The casino industry claimed
poor economic times, yet during the one month of smokefree
casino floors, the casino dealers reported excellent tips
and busy gaming floors. Casino revenues also had not declined
as much in October vs. September, comparing 2008 with 2007.
After ordinance #95 was voted through on October 27, some
casinos still announced layoffs anyway, despite the fact that
the casinos said bringing back smoking to the casinos would
help to avert layoffs.
ACTION ALERT: In support of Smokefree Atlantic
City Casinos
11-16-2008
As a GASP member or concerned citizen, please
phone, email or write a letter to the Atlantic City City Council
members and new Mayor Langford and the AC Council, to express
your concern about their ordinance which brought back smoking
on the gaming floors. Click
here for a sample letter and some
talking points you may opt to use to customize your letter
or in your phone message.
If
you have limited time, please focus on contacting the five
City Councilmen who on October 27, voted in favor of proposed
ordinance #95 that brought back smoking to the gaming floors:
You can email all five city councilmen in one email, to save
time; please copy info@njgasp on your email:
·
Councilman
MARTY SMALL 609-347-5231
email: msmall@cityofatlanticcity.org
·
Councilman
JOHN SCHULTZ 609-347-5243
- SPONSOR OF #95
email: jschultz@cityofatlanticcity.org
·
Vice President,
Council, Councilman DENNIS
MASON: 609-347-5233
email: dmason@cityofatlanticcity.org
·
Councilman
TIM MANCUSO 609-347-5238
email: tmancuso@cityofatlanticcity.org
·
Councilman
GEORGE TIBBITT
609-347-5241
email: gtibbitt@cityofatlanticcity.org
(he co-sponsored ordinance #27 that made the gaming floors
smokefree, except for enclosed smoking rooms, but has switched
sides and voted to bring back smoking)
If you have more time,
please contact the four Atlantic City Councilmen who voted to keep the smoke-free casino gaming floors that ran on October
15 through November 15 (they voted against ordinance
#95). If you contact these 4 Councilmen, please thank them
for their support, and to please continue to work towards
100% smokefree gaming floors where employees work.
You can email all four in one email to save time; please copy info@njgasp on
your email. Also please contact Mayor Langford, who was sworn
into office on November 13, to ask him to support 100% smokefree
gaming floors:
·
Council
President SPEEDY MARSH
609-347-5242
email: wmarsh@cityofatlanticcity.org
·
Councilman STEVEN
MOORE 609-347-5230
email: smoore@cityofatlanticcity.org
·
Councilman
BRUCE WARD 609-347-5232
email: bward@cityofatlanticcity.org (he is co-sponsor of the good ordinance #27, that
took effect on October 15, which made the gaming floors 100%
smokefree, and allows enclosed and ventilated smoking rooms).
·
Councilman
GENE ROBINSON 609-347-6491
email: erobinson@cityofatlanticcity.org (co-sponsor of ordinance #27)
·
MAYOR LANGSFORD: 609-347-5400
email: llangsford@cityofatlanticcity.org
Your help in this effort is greatly appreciated. If
you have any questions, please email us at info@njgasp.org
or call us at 908-273-9368.
back
to top
ACTION ALERT: Increase licensing fees and taxes to sell tobacco
Please contact
the Governor, Legislative leadership, and your District’s
Senator and Assembly representative (contact info is in Action
Alert below), to request:
- increasing the cigarette tax by 30 cents to bring
it to $3.00 per pack;
- increasing the licensing fees to sell cigarettes;
- re-classifying little cigars as cigarettes so
as to be able to tax them as cigarettes.
To
view a description of all tobacco licensing fees, with pending
and current State laws pertaining to fees, please click
here.
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