Minors' Access to Tobacco—Missouri and Texas

This report describes the results of efforts in two states--Missouri and Texas--to characterize access of minors to cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Abstract

Approximately 75% of adults who have regularly smoked cigarettes tried their first cigarette before their 18th birthday, and about half became regular smokers by age 18 years. Despite the importance of reducing smoking among adolescents, the prevalence of smoking among high school seniors has not decreased substantially from 1981 through 1991. National health objectives for the year 2000 have targeted substantial reductions in smoking among persons aged < 20 years, and reducing access to cigarettes through laws or statutes is an important strategy in reaching this goal. This report describes the results of efforts in two states--Missouri and Texas--to characterize access of minors to cigarettes and other tobacco products.