Last year, the European Commission called for a "Smoke-Free Europe" by 2012. Now, following reports showing that 35 percent of 15- to 24-year-olds in the European Union smoke, the commission is launching an anti-tobacco campaign geared towards young adults. From the Press Association:
The new campaign is timed to coincide with European "No Tobacco Day" next Monday, and involves anti-smoking messages targeting television, the internet and other sites accessible via mobile phones in a bid to "empower young people to take control of their health and lifestyles" said a Commission statement spokesman. He added: "The general motto is providing help and support for a life without tobacco by delivering comprehensive information on health and social problems related to tobacco consumption."
According to a release, tobacco accounts for around 650,000 premature deaths each year in the EU. The majority of EU citizens are in favor of stricter tobacco control measures: for example, 75 percent of survey respondents supported health warnings on tobacco packs and 63 percent favored banning advertising where cigarettes are sold.
Previously: Australia enacts world's first ban on branded cigarette packaging and Massachusetts stores may be required to post graphic anti-smoking signs
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