On Jan. 5, The Columbian Editorial Board supported the Washington Legislature raising the tobacco age from 18 to 21 (“In Our View: Raise Vaping, Tobacco Age”). I appreciate the endorsement of this critical public health policy. Considering that roughly 95 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21, it is time for the Legislature to act.
My dad started smoking as a teenager, so I know how easy it is for youth to get hooked on nicotine. The first cause of death on his death certificate was tobacco. In fact, tobacco is the No. 1 preventable cause of death, resulting in 7,500 people dying each year in Washington.
Clark County Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, is a primary sponsor for a bill in the Legislature to raise Washington’s tobacco age to 21. As an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer advocate, I commend Harris for his commitment to protecting our youth and improving the overall health of our community. I urge all our legislators to follow his lead and pass the bill this year.
