Statement on Monitoring the Future 2016 from Robin Koval CEO and President of Truth Initiative

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Dec 13, 2016, 11:31 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Across the board declines in past 30-day use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes & other tobacco products by young people in today's Monitoring the Future survey are evidence that winning the most significant public health battle of our time is within reach if we keep our foot on the gas and continue our efforts. Today's report and record low tobacco use number fuels our momentum and puts the finish line in plain sight. Despite the relentless efforts and deep pockets of Big Tobacco, young people aren't buying it – literally. There is one key piece of data, however, that is cause for concern. Although promising, the rate of smoking among 12th graders did not show a significant decline and was twice the rate of 10th graders suggesting that the real risk is once kids are legal or near-legal age. More work needs to be done to limit the industry's efforts to recruit this age group, such as raising the legal age of sale to 21, to ensure this is the generation to end smoking and tobacco use for good.

The University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future study tracks trends in substance use among students in 12th, 10th and 8th grades. Each year the national study surveys 40,000 to 50,000 students in about 400 public and private secondary schools throughout the United States.

About Truth Initiative
Truth Initiative is a national public health organization that is inspiring tobacco-free lives and building a culture where all youth and young adults reject tobacco. The truth about tobacco and the tobacco industry are at the heart of our proven-effective and nationally recognized truth^® public education campaign, our rigorous and scientific research and policy studies, and our innovative community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco. The Washington, D.C.-based organization, formerly known as Legacy, was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry. To learn more about our work speaking, seeking and spreading the truth about tobacco, visit truthinitiative.org.

SOURCE Truth Initiative