The US government has influenced public policy on smoking for decades. How did changes in public policy affect smoking?
(1 point)
People must now be at least 19 years old to purchase cigarettes.
The dangers of smoking are well known by most people.
There is no longer any risk of illnesses from second-hand smoke.
Tobacco products are not allowed to be sold in grocery stores
People must now be at least 19 years old to purchase cigarettes.
To understand how changes in public policy affected smoking, we can examine each statement individually.
1. People must now be at least 19 years old to purchase cigarettes.
This policy change aims to reduce smoking initiation among young individuals, as research shows that most lifelong smokers start before the age of 18. By increasing the legal age of purchasing cigarettes to 19 (or even higher in some states), it becomes more challenging for young people to access tobacco products, potentially reducing smoking rates.
2. The dangers of smoking are well known by most people.
Public policy efforts, such as educational campaigns and warning labels on cigarette packages, have played a significant role in raising awareness about the health risks associated with smoking. By disseminating information about the harmful effects of smoking, public policy seeks to change individuals' attitudes and behaviors towards smoking, potentially leading to reduced smoking rates.
3. There is no longer any risk of illnesses from second-hand smoke.
While public policy measures have sought to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke in public spaces, it is important to note that completely eliminating the risk of illnesses associated with second-hand smoke may not be a realistic goal. However, public policy measures like smoking bans in various indoor areas such as restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation aim to minimize exposure to second-hand smoke, protecting non-smokers from its harmful effects.
4. Tobacco products are not allowed to be sold in grocery stores.
Restricting the sale of tobacco products in grocery stores is one approach adopted by public policy to reduce smoking rates. By removing tobacco products from easily accessible locations like grocery stores, policymakers hope to decrease the convenience and availability of cigarettes, potentially discouraging impulse purchases and reducing smoking prevalence.
To determine which statement best represents how changes in public policy have affected smoking, we need to evaluate the effectiveness of various policy measures and assess their impact on smoking rates over time.
The changes in public policy on smoking have had several effects:
1. People must now be at least 19 years old to purchase cigarettes. This restriction on the legal age for purchasing cigarettes aims to reduce smoking initiation among young individuals. By raising the minimum purchasing age, it becomes more difficult for younger individuals to access cigarettes, which may lead to a decrease in smoking rates among this age group.
2. The dangers of smoking are well known by most people. Public policies on smoking have focused on raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking. Through public education campaigns and labeling requirements on cigarette packages, the public has been informed about the risks associated with smoking. This increased awareness has contributed to changes in public attitudes towards smoking, with more people understanding the health hazards involved.
3. There is no longer any risk of illnesses from second-hand smoke. Public policies have been implemented to protect individuals from exposure to second-hand smoke in public places. Smoke-free legislations and regulations have been put into place, restricting smoking in areas such as restaurants, bars, and workplaces. By reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, public policy has helped to improve public health by decreasing the risk of smoking-related illnesses for non-smokers.
4. Tobacco products are not allowed to be sold in grocery stores. Some public policies have limited the availability and accessibility of tobacco products. One example is the restriction on selling tobacco products in grocery stores. This type of policy aims to reduce the visibility and convenience of purchasing cigarettes, making it less convenient for smokers to access tobacco products. This policy may help discourage impulse purchases and potentially reduce smoking rates.
Overall, the changes in public policy on smoking have had a significant impact on smoking behavior by addressing various aspects such as age restrictions, awareness, second-hand smoke exposure, and availability of tobacco products. These policies aim to promote public health and discourage smoking initiation or continuation.