The Federal Tobacco Tax to Quit Smoking

The new federal tobacco tax in the United States that has come into effect from April 1st, 2009 made the price of cigarettes dearer by 62 cents. It is expected that the increased price of cigarettes will encourage regular smokers to quit smoking.

In anticipation of sales loss, major tobacco companies have already hiked the prices of their popular cigarette brands. Together with the federal tobacco tax, the price of cigarettes and other tobacco products go up quite considerably.

“Things are tough right now. This could cost regular smokers hundreds of dollars a year, which is another good reason to quit smoking.” She further adds, “Our Tobacco Quit Line is there to help when people are ready. Free coaching and nicotine patches or gum are just a phone call away, ’’ commented, The Secretary of Health, Mary Selecky.tobacco21.gif

Experts suggest that for every 10 percent raise in cigarette prices, there is a reduction of 7 percent in youth smoking and 4 percent in overall smoking approximately. In Washington, the new tobacco tax is estimated to enable nearly 14,800 adults to quit smoking and prevent 30,400 kids from becoming adult smokers.

Smoking is believed to be one the major causes of disease, disability and death. In the United States, out of the 43.4 million adult smokers, exposure to smoking or second-hand smoking contributes to nearly 443,000 premature deaths annually. Similarly, 8.6 million are affected with serious health problems such as acute respiratory infections, asthma attacks, etc. Apart from giving a massive blow to health, tobacco use results in more than $96 billion medical expenditure and $97 billion loss in G.D.P yearly.

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