Legislative Action to Combat the World Tobacco Epidemic

Book excerpt: Examines the ways in which legislation - whether involving comprehensive national laws or personal litigation against the tobacco industry - is being used to reduce tobacco use & promote the goal of a tobacco-free society. Drawing upon over 250 studies conducted throughout the world, the book concentrates on the many promising new legislative strategies that have developed within a climate of opinion that regards tobacco & sidestream smoke as toxic substances, gives priority to the non-smoker's rights, & rejects the industry's freedom to promote an addictive, lethal product. By describing & analysing recent legislation, the book also provides a heartening account of both the spread of legislation & the reasons for its increased strength & effectiveness. The ten chapters which constitute the core of the book are organized to reflect two main categories of smoking control measures: those leading to changes in the production, manufacture, promotion, & sale of tobacco, & those designed to achieve changes in practice among smokers. Issued at a time when several national governments are making quantum leaps forward in the legislative attack on tobacco use, the book should prove especially useful as both a source of encouragement & a practical guide to action.