The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and Japanese anti-tobacco measures

Abstract

Secondhand smoke (SHS) causes premature death and disease in children and adults, and the scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to SHS. Smoking tobacco in a car can pollute the microenvironment of the car with residual SHS, leaving telltale signs to potential buyers (e.g., odor, used ash tray). This study examined (a) the proportion of used cars sold in the private party market that may be polluted with tobacco smoke and (b) whether asking prices of smoker and nonsmoker cars differed for cars of otherwise equivalent value. A random sample of 1,642 private party sellers were interviewed by telephone, and content analyses of print advertisements were conducted. Findings indicate that 22% of used cars were advertised by smokers or had been smoked in during the previous year. Among nonsmokers, 94% did not allow smoking in their car during the past year. Only 33% of smokers had the same restrictions. The smoking status of the seller and tobacco use in the car were significantly (p < .01) associated with the asking price independent of a car's Kelley Blue Book value (KBB). Used nonsmoker cars were offered at a considerable premium above their KBB value (>11%) and above comparable smoker cars (7-9%). These findings suggest that community preferences are affecting the value of smokefree cars. New directions for research, tobacco control policies, and health education are discussed to further reduce smoking behavior, to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, and to protect nonsmokers from SHS exposure.

Tobacco Induced Diseases moves to BioMed Central

“…It finds that nonsmokers' cars brought a premium price in the used car market. Kazunari Satomura and colleagues discuss Japanese anti-smoking policies [ 4 ] – this is timely as the ISPTID society meets in Kyoto in September of 2008, and with a significant contingent of tobacco policy analysts attending Japanese tobacco control initiatives will receive a great deal of attention [ 5 ]. On a more fundamental level, Lennart Larsson and his research group present a unique analysis using sophisticated molecular approaches, specifically gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, to measure the microbial load in cigarette tobacco and smoke [ 6 ].…”

Assessing the Impact of Nationwide Smoking Cessation Interventions among Employed, Middle-Aged Japanese Men, 2005-2010

“…In Japan, after the enactment of the Health Promotion Law in 2002 that included the requirement to prevent passive smoking in public places; passive smoking in common areas (including workplaces) must now be controlled by segregated smoking areas [ 20 ]. Ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control by the Japanese government [ 21 ] also strengthened the fight against passive smoking. This, in turn, seemed to provide momentum for smokers to more seriously consider quitting smoking.…”

Street smoking bans in Japan: A hope for smoke-free cities?

“…The male smoking rate has been gradually falling while prevalence among women has remained more or less static [14].…”