PRINTER'S NO. 1404
No. 1192 Session of 1985
INTRODUCED BY SAURMAN, COLE, HERMAN, MURPHY, NAHILL, CESSAR,
McCLATCHY, FRYER, VROON, HERSHEY, WAMBACH, CORNELL, GLADECK,
BUNT, SCHULER, BOOK, DISTLER, E. Z. TAYLOR, NOYE AND DORR,
MAY 13, 1985
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND WELFARE, MAY 13, 1985
AN ACT
1 Declaring smokeless tobacco a potentially harmful substance; and
2 requiring that smokeless tobacco and advertisements for
3 smokeless tobacco carry a warning.
4 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
5 hereby enacts as follows:
6 Section 1. Short title.
7 This act shall be known and may be cited as the Smokeless
8 Tobacco Warning Act.
9 Section 2. Legislative findings and purpose.
10 (a) Findings.--The increase in the number of lung cancer
11 deaths and the heightened awareness of the hazards of smoking
12 have caused the tobacco industry to intensify advertising of
13 smokeless tobacco as an acceptable alternative to smoking. A
14 particular appeal is made toward young people. National studies
15 have shown that smokeless tobacco does present definite health
16 risks.
17 (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this act to protect the
1 citizens of this Commonwealth by alerting them to the hazards of
2 using smokeless tobacco.
3 Section 3. Definitions.
4 The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
5 have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
6 context clearly indicates otherwise:
7 "Department." The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.
8 "Smokeless tobacco." Any form of chewing tobacco or snuff.
9 "Warning." Notice prominently displayed and of sufficient
10 size and clarity to be easily read and understood.
11 Section 4. Duty of department.
12 The department shall recognize and declare that smokeless
13 tobacco is a hazardous substance that contains carcinogens, is
14 addictive and is potentially harmful.
15 Section 5. Warning requirement.
16 The department shall require that all smokeless tobacco sold
17 in this Commonwealth and all advertisements for smokeless
18 tobacco carry a warning which states that smokeless tobacco is
19 addictive and may cause mouth cancer and other mouth disorders.
20 Section 6. Effective date.
21 This act shall take effect in 90 days.
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