A chance to save lives

Dear Editor: Ulster County is considering raising the age to purchase cigarettes to 21. I know this is a bold step, but I think it would be the right one. It’s something nearby counties, such as Orange, are doing, and it’s something endorsed by the American Heart Association and American Lung Association.

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in the U.S. Diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reduce quality of life. Smoking, a main cause of lung cancer, contributes to 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and men, respectively. Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Women are 13 times more likely, compared to never-smokers. Not only do cigarettes cause significant health problems to smokers themselves, they also has negative effects on those around the smoker.

To those who argue the age change could impact local businesses, I think we should value good health and lives saved more. Businesses shouldn’t rely on youths buying tobacco products. I’m sure they can be helped other ways. Research shows close to 95 percent of smokers start before age 21. Clearly, factors such as peer pressure are much more prevalent in teen years.

If it could save one Ulster County resident from sickness or death, it’s worth it.

Robert Davis, Gardiner