[Tobacco or living? Decrease in smoking in Iceland 1985-1990]

In 1985 a new tobacco act was passed in Iceland, which prescribed inter alia that warnings be printed on packages of tobacco goods. A prohibition on advertisement for tobacco has since been imposed; information on the injurious effects of tobacco has been disseminated in the schools and via TV. A law which limits smoking at work places and indoors in public buildings has also been introduced. Smoking habits have changed in the last five years. The number of daily smokers has fallen from 40.0 to 32.5 per cent, and rules concerning smokeless hospitals are coming into force. The authors believe that doctors and hospitals should lead the way if we are to reduce smoking in the society.