Smoking hazards
Smoking hazards
From Media Indonesia
To overcome the problem of smoking in society is not as easy
as imagined. For about 45 years, since it was proved that there
was a close relationship between smoking and various health
hazards, there has been no substantial decrease in the number of
smokers, especially in the Third World.
On the other hand, in developed countries, because of
pressures from the non-smoking community and the legislative
side, the number of smokers has decreased considerably. The
economic capability and the level of education of society in
those countries have made them mature and self-reliant, freeing
them from the influence of cigarette producers who profit from
the people's bad habit of smoking.
Everyone is aware of the hazards of smoking. In America, David
Kessler, from the Food and Drug Administration, hinted that
smoking is a pediatric illness and that the administration should
protect children from being addicted to cigarettes.
The administration further suggested a ban on the sale of
cigarettes to youngsters under 18 years old; the use of cigarette
dispensing machines; and the sale, or distribution of items such
as caps and T-shirts with drawings of cigarettes, or slogans and
other symbols related to cigarettes.
The proposal is aimed at restricting activities sponsored by
cigarette producers. Cigarette manufacturers should keep aside a
sum of US$150 million annually for educational programs to reduce
the impact of advertisements and promotion of cigarettes, which
have influenced society for years. President Bill Clinton has
given his full support to this proposal.
What is happening in our country, Indonesia? The government
seems to be unable to do much about it, because of economic
considerations -- income from cigarette sales, taxes and the
problem of employment.
It is in this context that the media will have an important
role to play in the effort to reduce the negative impact of
smoking habits, at the cost of losing major sources of
advertisements, of course. Is the media capable of facing such a
consequence?
DR. RONALD HUTAPEA
Jakarta