Anthony Billups - Comment

Docket # FDA 2011 N 0467 I would like to comment on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed rule of Non-Face-to-Face Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products and Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing of Tobacco Products. As a legal citizen of the United States I strongly agree with the proposed ruling, “regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products that occur through means other than a direct, face-to-face or exchanged between a retailer and a consumer” (FDA 2011-n-0467). Far too often children are finding ways to get their hands on tobacco products. I don’t think they understand the significant of what tobacco product can do to their bodies. Under the FDA 2010-n-0568 Required Warning for Cigarettes and Advertisement stresses their concern on how smoking causes death. I think the Food and Drug Administration should have strict guidance to control the promotion and marketing of tobacco products that are sold or distributed through a non-face-to-face exchange to protect our children from getting their hands on tobacco products who have not reached the legal age to purchase those items. By law it is required that the nine warning must appear on cigarette advertisement and packaging but who is monitoring those non face to face exchange and ensuring they are checking to see if young adults are at the legal age to purchase tobacco products. It worries me that the “Center for Disease Control and Prevention says tobacco use is the single biggest cause of preventable death in the United States – killing more than 443,000 user and victims of secondhand smoke and causing serious illness in 8.6 million Americans” (FDA Wants your input on Cigarette Warning). I suffer from asthma and I know how it feels to be around someone who smokes and I immediately have to leave the area because it triggers my asthma. Smoking is a big health risk we face in our society. Please protect us and our children from those non - face - to - face exchange. I'm for the propose rule