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WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 1996 -- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) enthusiastically supports the
final U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plan to reduce youth tobacco use. President Clinton
unveiled the proposal today in a White House ceremony.
"We hope that this plan has a smooth transition into national policy," said AAP Committee
on Substance Abuse Chairman Richard Heyman, M.O. "We know that the tobacco industry, and
possibly even some members of Congress, will do anything in their power to stub out these rules.
Pediatricians will oppose any attempts to block or stall their implementation."
The nation's pediatricians applaud President Clinton's action because they believe that restrictions
on youth-targeted tobacco advertising and other provisions in the proposal can combat the rising tide
of young smokers.
"Teen tobacco use is like a runaway freight train. And Joe Camel is at the controls.
Pediatricians, parents and educators need these federal rules to put on the brakes and to curb the
easy access and allure of tobacco," Dr. Heyman said.
With concerns mounting due to reports of increased youth drug use, advertising restrictions and
public education can help fundamentally change the way children and adolescents think about
cigarettes and chewing tobacco, Dr. Heyman said. "Limiting children's daily dose of tobacco
propaganda is critical. It can aid our efforts to reinforce the notion that tobacco and other drugs
are not the way to gain acceptance or deal with one's problems.
President Clinton forwarded his proposal to the FDA for comment and review last August. His approval
gives the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products as drug-delivery devices.
Other provisions ban tobacco vending machine sales, require age-verification for purchases, restrict
advertising in publications with large proportions of youth readers, prohibit advertising on
billboards near schools and playgrounds, and ban name-brand sponsorship of sporting events and logos
on promotional items, such as t-shirts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 50,000 pediatricians dedicated to the
health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
CONTACT: Margorie Tharp or Leigh Ann Bluestein of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 800-336-5475 or
202-347-8600
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