Title
Authorizing the joint City Council Committees on Public Safety and Children and Youth to hold hearings reviewing the impact of flavored tobacco products, such as "Hood Wraps" or "Four K's," on the youth of Philadelphia.
Body
WHEREAS, The human and economic costs associated with the use of tobacco in Philadelphia are devastating. According to the CDC, tobacco is the cause of death to more than 3,500 City residents annually. Additionally, the medical costs alone to treat illnesses caused by smoking in Philadelphia exceeds $840 million; and
WHEREAS, Each day in the United States, nearly 2,500 youth under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette. In 2015, 28% of Philadelphia youths used some form of tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and electronic vapor products. Because of this, many of these youths will become addicted before they are old enough to understand the severe health risks associated with the use of these products; and
WHEREAS, The tobacco industry continuously relies on predatory marketing strategies in low income and minority communities in order to convert youths into cigarette smokers at a very young age. Cheap candy, fruit, and menthol flavored cigarillos are often packaged and placed next to youth-orientated products that entice children to start smoking. A 2013 study found that stores in majority African-American communities in Philadelphia were 74% more likely to have tobacco advertisements near children's products; and
WHEREAS, Cigars and cigarillos are the second most common form of tobacco used by high school students. A recent study found that more than 87% of adolescents who used cigarillos in the past 30 days used flavored cigarillos. Flavored tobacco products, such as "Hood Wraps" or "Four K's" are "starter" products that help new users establish daily habits and promote addiction to tobacco products, making it harder to quit, and may result in the concurrent use of multiple tobacc...
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