Protecting the Youngsters
Not far behind us, May 31st marked the World No Tobacco Day. Prior to this date, there were introductions of many new laws. The main actors included health commissioners, practitioners, lawmakers, and legislators.
East Point, Georgia, banned smoking from its parks and recreational areas in order to honor this important date. Moreover, with this law East Point aspires towards continuous education. With this initiative, the city sees great potential in battle against smoking. Soon afterwards, there were tests on places where there was a ban on smoking. The results showed up to 10 times cleaner air than they had before the ban on smoking.
It is not a wonder then that air pollution caused by smoking, and leading to health damage was a concern for researchers from San Diego. They identified smoking as the number one indoor air polluter, especially in lower income families. In addition, their research showed that indoor air polluted by smoking can lead to other complications. These included unknown symptoms of asthma in children already suffering from it.
Given the fact how kids and youth are in constant danger from secondhand smoke, Boston took some steps too. In order to discourage teens from smoking, the city has raised the age for purchasing tobacco to 21. As you can read here, tobacco retailers are not happy with Boston’s new decision. They feel that people are already adults at 18. Pushing the law to 21 doesn’t make too much sense. Furthermore, it will hurt business.
Design Tricks, the Good and the Bad
In addition to these laws, some design tricks proved efficient and effective when it comes to cigarettes. Australia gave tobacco products packaging a brand new look. It is all but pleasant. However, this standardized, dull, and dark new package served its purpose. Upon its implementation, there were alarming messages and disturbing images of smoking-caused diseases on them. This packaging succeeded in reducing the smoking rate. Can package design really make a difference in reducing the smoking rate?
On the other hand, the so-called light cigarettes apparently have a dark secret. Their ventilation holes concerned researchers from Ohio State University. The cigarettes industry paints them as a healthier choice. However, light cigarettes can cause just as much lung cancer as regular cigarettes!
To conclude, quitting smoking inspired one band to partially base their name on a smoking-related phenomenon. You can read the story about The Chainsmokers’ name here.
Until next week and new topics, share your thoughts with us on what you have read this week. Which news event left the strongest impression on you? What do you think?