Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Could Discourage Habit Among Teens, IOM Report Finds

Increasing the age at which it is legal for individuals to purchase tobacco in the U.S. could keep a significant number of teenagers from starting a smoking habit, according to an Institute of Medicine report released Thursday. According to the researchers, raising the age at which it is legal for U.S. residents to purchase tobacco to 21 would have the largest effect, particularly on individuals ages 15 to 17. It also would have a greater effect than if the age was increased to 19.

• "Raising the Legal Age for Sale of Tobacco Would Keep Teens From Smoking, Panel Says" (Bernstein, "To Your Health," Washington Post, 3/12).