A major new global study published in The Lancet{1} on Thursday 27th May finds that three quarters of the world’s smokers have their first cigarette by 21 and the average age of regular smoking is 19. The Lancet calls on countries to act to protect young people.
Modelling by academics at UCL shows that raising the age of sale to 21 would lead to a reduction in the number of smokers of 30% from 364,000 to 255,000 in year one. After year one, 18,000 new smokers a year would be prevented. Together this would create a significant reduction in smoking prevalence which would grow over time. [2]
Professor Robert West, Emeritus Professor at University College London, said,
“Tobacco dependence is an addictive disorder that typically starts before the brain has matured, with the vast majority starting before the age of 21, and substantial uptake between 18 and 20. Our modelling shows that increasing the age of sale for tobacco to 21 will lead to an immediate and substantial decline in smoking prevalence among young adults, far greater than any other policy measure under consideration.”
The public also back this measure. The ASH/YouGov survey finds that increasing the age of sale from 18 to 21 has majority support from English adults (63% support 15% oppose), including those aged 18-24 who would be most affected by this policy (54% support 24% oppose) [3] and 11-18 year olds (59% support 14% oppose) [4]. It’s a popular policy with voters for all the major political parties, with two thirds of Conservative voters surveyed saying they support raising the age of sale to 21 (66% support,12% oppose).[3]
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says now is the time for the Government to consult on the measure.
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of ASH, says:
“This powerful global study shows clearly that smoking is an addiction of youth. Raising the age of sale to 21 could protect more than a hundred thousand people from a lethal addiction which many will struggle their whole lives to quit. And that’s just in the first year. If we’re to achieve the Government’s vision of smokefree country by 2030 this is the kind of bold action that’s needed.”
According to the 2012 Surgeon General’s Report, “Of every 3 young smokers, only 1 will quit, and 1 of those remaining smokers will die from tobacco-related causes.” [5] On average, cigarette smokers die 5 years younger than non-smokers, 10 years for lifelong smokers. Additionally, for every person who dies because of smoking, 30 people are living with a serious smoking-related illness. [6]
References
[1] The Lancet has issued a press release — to access it, please contact: [email protected] or +44 (0) 207 424 4300
[2] For more information see: Arnott D. Ashcroft R. Pike K. West R. Rationale for Increasing the Age for sale for tobacco in England from 18 to 21 (T21). ASH. London 26th May 2021.
[3] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 10,211 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th February – 18th March 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all English adults (aged 18+).
[4] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2513 children aged 11 to 18. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th March – 16th April 2021. The survey was carried out online. Results have been weighted and are representative of GB children aged 11 to 18.
[5] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health.
[6] CDC Smoking and Tobacco Use. Fast Facts. Diseases and Deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/index.htm accessed 2 April 2021