Central Michigan University

• CMU health professor: Tighter tobacco regulation 'a long time coming'

Topics in this story: College of Health Professions, Health, News tips and sources, School of Health Sciences

The recent passage of a bill that gives the Food and Drug Administration unprecedented authority to regulate tobacco companies is nearing enactment. President Barack Obama has expressed support and is expected to sign the "Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control" bill soon.

If it becomes law, the FDA will hold the power to regulate the sale, production and marketing of tobacco products for the first time. Central Michigan University community health professor Mark Minelli is available to comment on this landmark legislation.

A few of Minelli's initial thoughts on the subject:

• "Giving the Food and Drug Administration control over tobacco production, marketing and sale is a major public health breakthrough in prevention, as choosing not to smoke can be one of the most important choices you can make in regards to personal health."
• "It has been a long time coming for the government to have more control over the production and sales of a very addicting substance. Many studies have shown nicotine to be highly addictive, and companies have used this to their sales advantage."
• "There seems to be a movement in the United States to regulate tobacco products and smoking. Cities and states are moving toward smoke-free environments to help protect the health of nonsmokers as well as smokers."
• "Advertising for cigarettes can be slick and deceiving. The idea that so called "light" cigarettes can be less dangerous is like saying you may only get a light tumor."

Minelli specializes in a number of areas in community health including prevention and treatment and health care management.

To set up an interview with this expert, contact: Tracy Burton, 989-774-1072, tracy.burton@cmich.edu