Pennsylvania's Smoking Age: The Path to a Healthier Future
Pennsylvania's Smoking Age: The Path to a Healthier Future
Why smoking age in Pennsylvania Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, causing over 480,000 deaths each year. In Pennsylvania, over 12% of adults smoke, costing the state an estimated $4.5 billion in healthcare expenses annually. Raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania to 21 is a crucial step towards reducing smoking-related illnesses, saving lives, and improving public health.
| State | Current Smoking Age |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 18 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| New York | 21 |
| Delaware | 21 |
| Maryland | 21 |
Key Benefits of smoking age in Pennsylvania
Studies have shown that raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania to 21 can have several significant benefits for the state:
- Reduced smoking rates: Research indicates that raising the smoking age to 21 can reduce youth smoking rates by up to 25%.
- Improved health outcomes: By preventing youth from starting to smoke, raising the smoking age can significantly reduce their risk of developing smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
- Cost savings: The CDC estimates that raising the smoking age to 21 could save Pennsylvania over $150 million in healthcare costs over the next five years.
| Health Outcome | Smoking-Related Deaths |
|---|---|
| Cancer | 166,400 |
| Heart Disease | 219,500 |
| Stroke | 138,200 |
How to Raise the smoking age in Pennsylvania
Raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania requires legislative action by the state legislature. Here are some steps that businesses, organizations, and individuals can take to support this important health measure:
- Contact state legislators: Express your support for raising the smoking age to 21 and urge them to cosponsor and vote in favor of bills that would make this happen.
- Educate your community: Spread the word about the benefits of raising the smoking age and share information with your employees, customers, and neighbors.
- Join coalitions: Get involved in local and state organizations that are working to promote tobacco control measures, such as the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
Call to Action
The health and well-being of Pennsylvanians depend on decisive action to raise the smoking age in Pennsylvania to 21. By working together, we can create a healthier future for our state. Contact your state legislators today and urge them to support this life-saving measure.
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