May 30, 2008

Nassau County Department of Health Supports
"World No Tobacco Day"

In celebration of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “World No Tobacco Day” on May 31, 2008, Nassau County Department of Health supports the efforts of WHO in their mission to protect the world’s 1.8 billion young by imposing a ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.  This year’s theme- Tobacco-Free Youth:  Break the Tobacco Marketing Net- focuses on the billions of dollars the tobacco industry spends to market their products, much of which is aimed at youth.

According to WHO, the more young people are exposed to tobacco advertising, the more likely they are to use tobacco.  Since most people start smoking before the age of 18, the tobacco industry markets their products where youth spend a lot of time; in the internet, magazines and at music and sports venues.

Nassau County Department of Health will be reaching out to organizations and individuals to make a commitment by refusing to allow the tobacco industry to market their products to our youth.  “By refusing advertising, promotion and tobacco sponsorship you can make an impact and protect our youth from the tobacco industry’s creative strategies of addicting our children to this extremely harmful product,” said Maria Torroella Carney, M.D., Commissioner of Health.