LETTERS: SPEND MONEY ON TOBACCO PREVENTION

To the editor:

The tobacco settlement for Missouri has generated much publicity and comment as to how the dollars should be spent. Considering that Missouri is ranked second in adult smoking (Kentucky is higher) and that Missouri youth smoking exceeds the national average by approximately 5 percent, it would make sense that a significant portion of the settlement money be allocated towards prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control found that cigarette smoking cost Missouri at least $3.3 billion in 1995. If this figure is at all accurate, then the 25-year cost would total some $82 billion, while the tobacco settlement would provide $6.7 billion for a net loss to Missourians of $75 billion.

The tobacco industry spends some $13 million per day in advertising, and recent research found that approximately 34 percent of adolescent experimentation with tobacco can be attributed to the influence of cigarette advertising and promotions. Keeping in mind that the majority of new smokers are under age 14, the highly successful industry marketing of this addictive product could and should be balanced with an equally well-funded campaign to reduce experimentation and use.

JIM MAGINEL

Community 2000 Support Center

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau