Please check out the excellent article about youth tobacco use in our community in the Summit Daily: Summit County to take action to stop sale of tobacco to kids
Dissolvable Hearing Update:
On Wednesday, August 17th, the Colorado Board of Health held a public hearing to evaluate the health risks the new dissolvable tobacco products being test marketed in Colorado (including Summit County) as Camel Strips, Sticks, and Orbs pose. Unfortunately, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in Colorado and the United States. Close to 90 percent of adult tobacco users are addicted before the age of 18. Closer to home, we have seen a 7% increase in the use of smokeless tobacco products in just the past two years by Summit County high school-aged students.
Based on a number of factors, including design, packaging, and price, there is concern that tobacco companies are using these smokeless products to target youth. Facts presented include:
- Youth are price sensitive (and the new dissolvable products are selling at a price point of around $2.50 a pack)
- No secondhand smoke allow users to take advantage of smoke-free laws
- Dissolvables can be used anytime and in any place (in fact, a facebook fan page was showed to the group that proclaimed how easy these products were to use in class)
- Dissolvables are easy to conceal
- Products are flavored making them more desirable to youth
As yet, dissolvables are not covered by federal or state laws so there is no requirement about product placement. Currently, stores can (and have) displayed these products next to candy aisles and next to smoking cessation products (though this product is not approved for cessation). The maker of these products, RJ Reynolds, has asked these products be placed behind counters with cigarette products, however, as there is no federal or state law that requires this, retailers are not required to comply.
As dissolvable tobacco products are new, there is very little research on absorption rates. Representatives from Children’s Hospital and a poison control center testified about their concern regarding accidental ingestion by children. In fact, there are several reports of accidental poisoning of children by these products coming from other test-market states. Though the packaging is described as “child-proof,” products were found to be easily opened.
Based on information presented by a RJ Reynolds scientist, the company intends to position the products for smoking cessation/reduction and stated that they are targeting currently smoking adults. This position was supported by other tobacco reduction scientists that spoke. Most of their arguments centered on the positive aspect of the product providing no first-hand or second-hand smoke. However, when asked directly about the effects from swallowing multiple pieces, the RJ Reynolds scientist admitted that the company had no knowledge of the effect.
During its deliberation, the Colorado Board of Health stated that they did not see dissolvables as a cessation product but rather a low-cost entry product. The board is drafting a resolution regarding these products which will be formalized at their meeting in September.
To read TIME’s article about the hearing, please visit: How Safe is Tobacco That Melts in Your Mouth
To listen to an audio recording of the hearing or see presentations from the hearing visit: CO Board of Health Dissolvable Audio
