Anti-tobacco measures in the world: the French case

The devastating long-term effects of tobacco smoking registered in the developed world and now imminent in the developing world must be responded to on national and international levels. In France, governmental tobacco control action began in 1976. Despite the high rates of premature mortality among men and women, legislative controls that were introduced were not enforced. Over the past decade, overall smoking prevalence has remained stable, reflecting growth in women's rates which compensates declines in men's rates. Comprehensive tobacco control measures should include prohibiting tobacco advertising, real tobacco retail price increases and regulations protecting non-smokers in public places. New legislation was voted in 1991 both in France and in the European Community. These measures, reinforced by a framework of continuing public education, may be an important step towards effective health promotion.