The Rising Tide of Smoking Age in Pennsylvania

The age at which individuals are legally permitted to purchase and consume tobacco products, commonly known as the smoking age, has been a contentious topic for decades. In recent years, the debate over the appropriate smoking age in Pennsylvania has intensified, with compelling arguments on both sides. This article explores the multifaceted nature of this issue, examining the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania from the perspective of businesses.

Why Raising the Smoking Age in Pennsylvania Matters

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking-related illnesses claim the lives of over 480,000 Americans annually. Young adults aged 18 to 24 account for a significant proportion of these preventable deaths. Raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania would:

Reduce Youth Smoking Prevalence: Studies have consistently shown that increasing the smoking age leads to a decline in smoking rates among young people. By limiting access to tobacco products, higher smoking age laws make it more difficult for minors to initiate smoking.

Improve Public Health Outcomes: Reducing youth smoking prevalence promotes overall public health by preventing smoking-related diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


2016	Pennsylvania raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 19 to 21.
2018	High school smoking rates in Pennsylvania decreased by 27.6% from 2016 to 2018.
2018	Pennsylvania had the largest decline in high school smoking rates in the nation.

Stories of Success

Lowering Smoking Rates in Massachusetts: In 2019, Massachusetts raised its smoking age to 21. Within two years, the state witnessed a 40% decline in high school smoking rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of higher smoking age laws in reducing youth tobacco use.

Improved Health Outcomes in New York City: New York City implemented a smoking age of 21 in 2014. Since then, hospitalizations for smoking-related illnesses among young adults have decreased significantly, highlighting the positive impact of raising the smoking age on public health.

Key Benefits for Businesses

Raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania would not only benefit public health but also confer advantages to businesses in the state:

Increased Productivity: Employees who smoke are more likely to experience absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Raising the smoking age can help reduce these issues by creating a healthier workforce.

Improved Reputation: Consumers and employees are increasingly drawn to businesses that prioritize health and well-being. Raising the smoking age would demonstrate a commitment to corporate responsibility and enhance the reputation of businesses in Pennsylvania.

Reduced Healthcare Costs: Smoking-related illnesses are a major driver of healthcare costs in the United States. Raising the smoking age would reduce the prevalence of these illnesses, ultimately lowering healthcare costs for employers and the state overall.


	Businesses can support raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania by advocating for legislation, providing smoke-free workplaces, and educating employees about the benefits of smoke-free policies.
	The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers resources and programs to help businesses implement tobacco-free policies.
	For more information, visit: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Tobacco%20Free%20Health/Tobacco%20Free%20for%20Business%20Employers.pdf

Conclusion

Raising the smoking age in Pennsylvania to 21 is a multifaceted issue with significant implications for public health and businesses. By reducing youth smoking prevalence, improving public health outcomes, and conferring benefits to businesses, raising the smoking age would represent a positive step forward for Pennsylvania. Businesses have a vital role to play in supporting this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to health, well-being, and the future prosperity of the state.

The Rising Tide of Smoking Age in Pennsylvania