Smoking prevalence down in Brazil

Brazil recorded a 50 per cent decrease in smoking prevalence between 1989 and 2010, according to the findings of a new study published in PLOS Medicine.

The study was conducted by researchers fromGeorgetownLombardiComprehensiveCancerCenterand the Brazilian National Cancer Institute.

The fall in smoking prevalence was ascribed toBrazil’s strong tobacco control policies, which included the imposition of high cigarette prices, smoke-free air laws and marketing restrictions.

It was said to have contributed to an estimated 420,000 ‘lives saved during that time period’.

A report on the study is at: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-11/gumc-stc103112.php.