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FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK
My first dealings with Hone were a little fraught. His suggestion of banning tobacco seemed all too simplistic and a recipe to add one more commodity to the business interests of the 'gangs'. However, it soon became clear to me that Hone had a genuine interest in fighting big tobacco. He is only too aware of the damage smoking does, and the disproportionate effects on Māori through their high smoking prevalence rates. Since then he has joined calls to get cigarettes 'off the shelf'. He has also strongly suggested at the select committee recently that cigarettes be made available through chemists as a way of dealing with the addiction issue while providing the support of a health professional where people want to stop smoking. Kia kaha, Hone. You have a strong message to carry! Details people out there will be aware that this is the sixty-second Tobacco Control Update. Comments we've received about the Update have been consistently positive over the years, and we're proud of the quality of its presentation and content. We're keen to make sure the Update continues to be a relevant channel of information for those interested in tobacco control, so we think now might be a good time to seek a little general feedback. Do you think we could do the Update better or a little differently? Are you finding it still meets your needs as someone with an interest in tobacco control? We'd be delighted to hear from you, whether you have praise or criticism. We've designed an online feedback from that we hope you'll find the time to fill out. It's mostly tick boxes and multiple choice, so it shouldn't take too long. There's also room for comments if you'd like to make some. To sweeten the deal and help get your attention, all who fill out the form and include their contact details will go into a draw to win a $100 Sounds music/DVD voucher. If you don't want to go into the draw, we're also happy for you to fill out the form anonymously. And no, you don't get more chances to win if you fill out the form lots of times (!). The form will be available for the next two weeks. We'll weigh up the comments that come in and give you the results once they are collated. The form is online at http://www.sfc.org.nz/tcufeedback.html, or you can follow the link from our homepage. Have a good fortnight. Mark Peck Director IN THIS ISSUE:
GUEST EDITORIAL - HONE HARAWIRA
Kia ora folks. Did you know that tobacco is the only product that, when used exactly according to the instructions, will kill you? Recently, Mat Robson had to apologise for saying that a particular MP was a lackey for the tobacco and alcohol industry. Strange really, because a few years ago the Prime Minister herself said the same thing about the same MP, but she didn't have to say sorry! Anyway, seems to me the real offence is the influence that the alcohol and tobacco lobby has on Parliament, and how we turn a blind eye to the crippling of our population just to get those extra tax dollars. I congratulated National's Tau Henare and Paula Bennett for kicking the habit, and reminded the other smokers in the House that ours was not only the job of passing legislation, but also the role of leadership by action. I pointed out the hypocrisy of government moaning about lung cancer, insisting on signs saying smoking kills, putting horrific pictures on cigarette packets, while all the time allowing their Superannuation Funds, ACC, and the Earthquake Commission to invest heavily in tobacco companies! And I asked how government could talk about being smokefree, and signing up to conventions on tobacco control, while investing in the companies that are killing Kiwis! Excuse the pun, but it all sounds like smoke and mirrors to me, and that's why last year I launched a campaign to stamp out the manufacture and sale of tobacco in Aotearoa, and force the tobacco companies out of our country. Last year, Smokefree Coalition Director Mark Peck said, "Government must show leadership on ethical investing and refuse to profiteer from addiction, disease and death." This year, Dalton Kelly of the Cancer Society is calling for tobacco to be taken off the counters, out of sight, out of mind. And I intend introducing an amendment to the Ethical Investments Bill to stop Crown investment in tobacco companies. Fighting the tobacco giants is a massive undertaking. But everything helps, and I look forward to working with other smokefree groups to make this year a big one in the fight for our nation's health. Hone Harawira is the Māori Party MP for Tai Tokerau. PRIME MINISTER BACKS TOBACCO DISPLAY BAN
The Cancer Society and ASH have called for tobacco products to be kept out of sight in all retail outlets. Helen Clark said there would need to be support for the idea to change smokefree legislation. "Personally I'd love to see it. I've seen the legislation improved, improved, improved over the years, and I think it is inevitable that law and regulation of tobacco control will tighten." The Māori and Green parties support the proposal, but National says it is up to its MPs' consciences. National's health spokesman, Tony Ryall, said reducing tobacco use was a "health goal" which the party shared, but it had "a conscience vote on those issues". The Māori Party's spokesman on tobacco issues, Hone Harawira, said too many Māori died of tobacco-related cancer and a ban would have an effect. "Our people want to stop smoking, but how do they do that when the law allows pushers of these highly addictive drugs to display their wares in every petrol station, every supermarket and every dairy in the country? It's got to stop." Greens associate health spokeswoman Metiria Turei said that to protect young people from the attraction of tobacco displays, the products should be kept out of sight. New Zealand Herald, 6 March 2007 VODAFONE WARRIORS TO BE SMOKEFREE ROLE MODELS
Under the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003, smoking is already banned in all indoor areas. This initiative is partly in response to complaints from supporters who would rather people did not light up near them. But Vodafone Warriors chief executive, Wayne Scurrah, says it's also an opportunity for the club to promote a healthy message to its fans. "We want our young fans to know that smoking isn't normal or cool, and that it certainly doesn't help anyone play good sport. It's about setting a good example, and supporting a smokefree future generation." Signs will be put up around the stadium indicating the areas that are smokefree. Patrons who wish to smoke will be encouraged to refrain from doing so in these areas and pointed to the designated smoking areas. "This initiative is not about telling smokers not to smoke, but about encouraging them not to smoke around others, especially children," said Scurrah. Partly or completely smokefree areas have also been introduced in other stadiums around New Zealand such as the Westpac Stadium in Wellington and Jade Stadium in Christchurch. Several NRL grounds in Australia are also smokefree. The Auckland Regional Council (ARC), which has responsibility for Mt Smart Stadium, is right behind the smokefree drive. Cr Sandra Coney, Chair of the ARC's Parks and Heritage Committee, says smokers in New Zealand are increasingly becoming accustomed to smokefree areas. "Most really do want to be considerate, so we're not expecting any problems with compliance." Prime Minister Helen Clark has also congratulated the Warriors for introducing the smokefree seating areas. "I see it as a clear demonstration the Warriors are committed to being smokefree role models to their young fans. I would like to encourage other rugby league clubs, and all our sporting groups, to make their grounds smokefree in the interests of a healthy next generation. "Well done to the Warriors, and I wish you every success for the 2007 season." Vodafone Warriors Media Release, 13 March 2007 The smokefree initiative is also supported Auckland Regional Public Health, the Smokefree Coalition, Action on Smoking and Health, the Heart Foundation, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, Te Reo Marama, Te Hotu Manawa Māori, The Quit Group, the Public Health Association and the Stroke Foundation. SNIFFING OR CHEWING TOBACCO URGEDMedical researchers are calling on the Ministry of Health to seriously consider introducing Swedish made snus - a 'mini teabag' of finely ground tobacco containing nicotine placed behind the upper lip - because it has considerably less health risk than smoking. Oral snuff, or snus, is popular in Sweden, where smoking rates have fallen to below 15 percent for men and 17 percent for women. The Ministry is to receive a report by New Zealand Health Technology Assessment this month. It is considering international evidence for snus and other smokeless tobacco products. Chief Public Health Adviser Ashley Bloomfield said the research would also look at the safety of using the smokeless products. SmokeLess New Zealand chairman Murray Laugesen said the Government was limiting options for smokers on 'death row' by not allowing the sale of snus. "There should be increased research on snus in New Zealand. One of the drivers for this is smoking rates have not improved." The Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 bans the import, sale and advertising of oral tobacco, but it is legal to import it for personal use. Dr Laugesen said smokeless tobacco also needed to be regulated to "keep out the bad stuff." Some snuff products, such as chewing tobacco, had been linked to mouth cancer, but the Swedish version was considered safer. But lobby group Ash opposes the introduction of snus. "We don't want to swap one addiction with another - there are several other things like nicotine patches and gum available for smokers to help them quit," spokeswoman Sneha Paul said. Dominion Post, 7 March 2007 SMOKING CESSATION GUIDELINES - HAVE YOUR SAYAs you are aware the Smoking Cessation Guidelines project team has been working on a draft version of the 2002 Guidelines for Smoking Cessation. The draft has now been completed and can be accessed on the Tobacco Control Research listserv NZ TAN. If you work in smoking cessation or have a strong interest in cessation please read the draft Guidelines and send your feedback to: Trish Fraser, Project Manager, Smoking Cessation Guidelines project If you are not a member of the Tobacco Control Research listserv please contact Janine Paynter (email: jpaynter@ash.org.nz) to become a member, or email Trish for a copy of the draft Guidelines. Feedback on the Guidelines is required by 5.00 pm Thursday, 22 March 2007. SMOKEFREE ENGLAND
When I arrived in London in May 2006 I was pretty excited by the bustling of the city, the historical sites, opportunities for travel and of course the shopping. However, going out for a quiet pint or dinner was disappointing as I was affected by second-hand smoke. After almost 18 months of a Smokefree NZ I had almost forgotten how truly disgusting it was. However, at 6am on 1 July 2007 England will become the largest jurisdiction in the world to implement comprehensive smokefree legislation and I'm looking forward to the celebrations! There are a number of exemptions within the smokefree legislation, these include: private dwellings; accommodation for guests and members; care homes; hospices; prisons; research and testing facilities; and specialist tobacconists. However, all of these must meet conditions set out in the regulations, for example, rooms designated for smoking must have mechanically closing doors and not have a ventilation system that ventilates into any smokefree part of the premises. There are some key differences between the legislation in England and New Zealand. Firstly, enforcement will be carried out by local authorities - largely by Environmental Health Officers, although Port Health Authorities and Trading Standards Officers will also have a role to play. In contrast to New Zealand, mental health units in England will become completely smokefree following a sunset clause of one year. This will afford mental health workers the same protection as other health workers and hopefully give an opportunity to change the apparent culture of smoking in this high prevalence group.
As was the case in New Zealand, a huge communications campaign is underway. Here in England it is led by Rachel Allan (another kiwi ex HSC - Smokefree Teens) in the Communications Directorate of the Department of Health. It's a huge task, especially with no established social marketing organisation, 3.7 million businesses and 50 million people to communicate the campaign to! If you want to keep an eye on what is happening in England go to our newly branded Smokefree England campaign website found at www.smokefreeengland.co.uk. In the meantime, enjoy the clean air of Aotearoa and start planning your next trip to smokefree England. Kay Thomson, INTERNATIONAL PACKAGE WARNINGS OVERVIEW
Twelve countries have finalised laws requiring picture-based warnings: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Jordan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Uruguay and Venezuela. Countries in the 27-member European Community have the option of requiring picture-based warnings, choosing from among 42 picture messages prepared by the European Commission. The Governments of Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Iran, Ireland, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, and United Kingdom have all said publicly that picture-based warnings are under consideration. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides that warnings should cover at least 50 percent, and must cover at least 30 percent, of the front and back of the package. The use of picture-based warnings is optional. The table below ranks the world's largest package warnings, based on average front and back minimum size (once laws have been implemented after a transition period that remains for some countries):
Rob Cunningham, SMOKING WHEN PREGNANT RAISES CHILD'S RISK OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKEWomen who smoke during pregnancy can cause permanent vascular damage in their children - increasing their risk for stroke and heart attack, researchers warned at the American Heart Association's 47th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention. "This is the first report to demonstrate this association," said Cuno S. Uiterwaal, M.D., Ph.D., lead researcher and associate professor of clinical epidemiology at the University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands. "This is a preventable risk factor. Women need to stop smoking, especially in pregnancy, not only for their own health, but for their unborn child." The study's 732 participants were born in 1970-73 and vascular risk measurements were performed in 1999-2000. Uiterwaal and colleagues found that adult offspring of the 215 mothers who smoked during pregnancy had thicker walls of the carotid arteries in the neck. Offspring whose pregnant mothers were exposed to smoke had thicker carotid arteries by young adulthood than the offspring of mothers who did not smoke in pregnancy, researchers reported. Even after the researchers adjusted for other risk factors in the young adults such as age, gender, body mass index, pulse pressure and cholesterol levels, the carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) remained 9.4 micrometers thicker in children of mothers who smoked. If both parents smoked during pregnancy, the children as young adults had thicker CIMT than other participants with either one smoking parent or parents who didn't smoke. Offspring of mothers who smoked the highest number of cigarettes during pregnancy had thicker CIMT than those born to mothers smoking less than the average or those who did not smoke. "Our findings suggest that both smoking by mothers themselves in pregnancy and exposure to passive smoking are important," he said. "More exposure leads to more vascular damage in the offspring." Medical News Today, 8 March 2007 PACIFIC ISLANDS HEARTBEAT SMOKING CESSATION SERVICE
Free training for health professionals Cessation practitioner training (three-day training) This training is designed for health professionals and community health workers looking for the knowledge and skill to assist patients in the cessation process. The course provides an understanding of brief intervention skills and principles for providers offer smoking cessation services. These skills and principles are evidence-based, with a strong emphasis on what is culturally relevant and appropriate for Pacific cultures. Workshop content includes: Guidelines: background overview; the Pacific community and their issues; Stages of Change Model; nicotine addiction; introduction to motivational intervention; communication skill and Pacific culture; environmental tobacco smoking (ETS); pharmacotherapy; subsidised nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and Quit Cards registration; brief facilitation skills - principles; introduction to relapse prevention - brief and intensive; case studies - application of knowledge and skills, NRT prescription etc; relevant strategies and support for Pacific smokers. Training date and venue: Palmerston North: 11-13 April 2007 Time: 9:00 am - 4:00pm Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. For more information contact Anthony Leaupepe, Pacific Islands Heartbeat Smoking Cessation Training Facilitator, Central Region and South Island (04 472 2790 | anthonyl@nhf.org.nz). BLAST FROM THE PAST
Full Text: Heap fine Flavor - Velvet Better smoking tobacco - for mildness fine old Kentucky Burley aged in wood - the flavor of pure maple sugar for extra good taste - Velvet packs easy in a pipe - Rolls smooth in a cigarette - Better tobacco for both.
Retrieved from: 20th Century Tobacco Ad Collection Collected by Richard Pollay, catalogued by Roswell Park Cancer Institute http://roswell.tobaccodocuments.org/pollay/dirdet.cfm.
QUOTABLE QUOTES"I suggest that every health care professional and support worker who lights up pause to appreciate the powerfully negative image that smoking presents to their colleagues, patients-whānau, and the community." Letter to the Editor, Whakatane Beacon, 23 February 2007
"It wasn't the health things that made me want to stop [smoking] in the beginning, it was the cost." Tony Rands, Timaru Herald, 7 March 2006 "An effective way of reducing [illegal sale of tobacco to minors] would be to require all tobacco products to be kept out of sight at points of sale. "We strongly support the call...for tobacco to be sold only on request and from under the counter. It is well past time to seriously address this advertising of a highly addictive substance at the point of purchase. Tax money from underage sales should also be used to support efforts to deal more effectively with businesses selling tobacco to minors." Dr Tony Reeder, Assoc Prof Rob, McGee and Dr Helen Darling, "I would be doing a great injustice to the slipperiness of a Waikato River eel if I compared such an eel with the slipperiness of a tobacco salesman." Paul Hutchinson, Speech on Smoke-free Environments Amendment Bill, MEDIA THEMESPetrol lit with a cigarette? Only in the movies From Hitchcock's The Birds to The Usual Suspects, it has been one of the staple clichés of Hollywood: the cigarette butt tumbling in slow motion into a pool of petrol unleashing a conflagration. But if you find yourself tied up and doused in petrol don't worry if all your assailant has is a lighted cigarette: scientists have proved you won't end up as a human fireball. "Cigarettes burn at around 700C and the ignition temperature of petrol is 246C," said Richard Tontarski, an expert in forensic fire at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms research laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, "but it just isn't that simple". He began looking into the problem because arson suspects frequently claim a petrol fire was started by accident. "The person claims, 'I accidentally threw gasoline on my girlfriend. She was smoking and she burst into flames,'" he said. To find out whether this was possible, he and colleagues dropped burning cigarettes into trays of petrol and sprayed a fine mist of petrol at a lighted cigarette. In more than 2,000 attempts the petrol did not ignite. Dr Tontarski can only speculate why. The layer of ash on the tobacco, perhaps, or the petrol vapour convected away from the hottest part of the cigarette. So is he in touch with Hollywood to demand it drops the explosive movie cliché? "Actually they are pretty well aware of it. They don't care." The Guardian, 27 February 2007 From one enterprise of slavery to another The United States National Slavery Museum (USNSM) has announced that Philip Morris USA joins other corporations by contributing $200,000 to the museum. "The U.S. National Slavery Museum will be an important educational asset to both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation," said Tina A. Walls, senior vice president, External Affairs, Philip Morris USA. "We are proud to support the museum's efforts to establish itself as a national destination for learning and reconciliation." L. Douglas Wilder, former Virginia Governor, current Mayor of the City of Richmond, Va., and founder of USNSM said, "The topic of slavery has not been deeply explored in our schools, as well as cultural and historical institutions. This museum aims to bridge this gap with educational and civic initiatives that will promote the topic of slavery in a non-threatening manner." American tobacco control campaigner Stan Shatenstein said, "From one enterprise of enslavement to another, all done 'in a non-threatening manner.' Clearly, the irony police are no longer on patrol." UrbanMecca.Com, 6 March 2007 |
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This fortnight we are pleased to have an editorial from Māori Party MP for Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira. It first appeared in the Northern Advocate and is entitled
Dying for that cigarette.
Dying for that cigarette
Prime Minister Helen Clark says she would love to see displays of cigarettes and tobacco banned in shops.
The Vodafone Warriors rugby league franchise will be introducing smokefree outdoor seating areas to Mt Smart Stadium from the start of this season. The initiative will kick off with the club's first game of the 2007 NRL season against the Eels. Patrons will be asked not to smoke in any seated area, including grandstands and corporate boxes.
By Kay Thomson (formerly of Regional Public Health (Hutt Valley DHB) and the Wellington Division of the Cancer Society).
Finally, individuals in England are liable for the offence of smoking in a smokefree place. The maximum conviction for smoking in a smokefree place is level one on the standard scale (£2500) or a fixed penalty notice of £50, discounted to £30 if paid within 30 days. Other offences include failure to display no smoking signs and failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place.
Tremendous progress is being made worldwide by governments to improve package warnings. The size of warnings is getting bigger and a growing number of countries require or will soon require picture-based warnings.
Heap fine flavor (1939)