TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – A local organization expresses support for bi-partisan legislation that would raise the national smoking age to 21.
Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) are among the U.S. senators introducing the legislation.
It would prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21.
On Friday, Better Health Wabash Valley said it would be a step in the right direction.
“The goal is to try to limit and reduce the number of people who actually start smoking. About 95% of all smokers start before the age of 21, so if we can restrict when they access tobacco, we can really drive down smoking rates,” says Nathan Vooys, Regional Hospital CEO.
Better Health Wabash Valley also says nearly 30% of cancer deaths in Indiana are attributable to smoking.
