Under-18 ban 'cut teenage smoking rates'

www.grub4life.com today reports that teenage smoking rates in England have dropped since the legal age for buying cigarettes rose from 16 to 18, research by University College London suggests.  26-08-2010

Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 teenagers aged 16 and 17 before and after the age rise in October 2007.

Smoking rates in this age group dropped significantly, from 24% before the law change to about 17% after it. Smoking rates in over 18s remained unchanged.

Cancer Research UK said it showed tobacco policy could make a difference.

Experts know that more than 80% of smokers start before the age of 19 and that half of all long-term smokers will die of cancer or other smoking-related diseases.

Jean King, Cancer Research UK's director of tobacco control, said:
 
"We need to do more to protect young people. We urge the government to prevent more lives being lost to an addiction that will kill half of all long term smokers."

With thanks to www.bbc.co.uk
 
To read the full story go to:
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11001599