As a mother, I know how hard parents try to protect their children from danger. I hope all parents join me this week in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which gives the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the manufacturing, sale and marketing of tobacco products. With 3,900 children picking up their first cigarette and 1,000 children becoming regular smokers every day, this landmark legislation is necessary to safeguard children from Big Tobacco’s predatory and deceptive marketing.

The law has already banned the manufacturing and distribution of candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes that were marketed by Big Tobacco to entice kids to start smoking. Beginning this month, the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to minors will be prohibited nationwide for the first time, and tobacco vending machines will be banned except in adult-only facilities.

With effective implementation, the law will have a huge impact in ensuring that fewer kids start to smoke.

Smoking-related diseases remain the most preventable cause of death. The law will help to deter children from smoking, making this an anniversary worth celebrating.

Diane Mitchell, Rumford

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer