In Finland, both per capita and total tobacco consumption decreased during this period. Preliminary data for 1983 show that Canadian tobacco consumption decreased substantially. For 12 months in 1981-1982, the price of tobacco products in Canada increased faster than the rate of inflation, likely accounting in large measure for decreased consumption. An estimated 22 million individuals use smokeless tobacco, with the average user between the ages of 18 years and 30 years. Increased use of these products may relate to a decrease in the social acceptance of smoking and to national advertising that suggests smokeless products as an alternative to smoking.
Tobacco use is a significant public health problem in the United States and many other countries.
References Bjartveit K. Legislation and political activity. Presented at the Fifth World Conference on Smoking and Health, Winnipeg. Production and disposition of tobacco products. Lahman Brothers, Kuhn Loeb, 1981. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.