SWISS SURVEY WHAT SMOKING COSTS SOCIETY

A survey released by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health constitutes
its strongest-ever condemnation of the cost of smoking to Swiss society.
The burden is calculated to be about US$6B75 each year. Approximately 35%
of Switzerland's 7 million population are smokers.

The survey, based on 1995 figures, commissioned by the Federal Office of
Public Health and done by the Institute for Economic Research at
NeuchE1tel University and the HealthEcon Bureau of Basle, also shows that
about 40% of people in the 20-24 age group smoke, with the percentage of
schoolchildren smoking cigarettes having risen from 4 to 7% in the past
decade. In Switzerland cigarette smoking is particularly prevalent among
teenagers, especially girls.

The report sets out medical and hospital expenses for treatment of 15
illnesses directly attributed to tobacco addiction and responsible for 18
deaths daily. Figures are also given for lost productivity as well as
effects on families and society in general. It is underlined that estimates
are moderate and have not taken into account the economic burden of passive
smoking.

The Swiss tobacco industry has reacted angrily to the survey, describing it
as of "doubtful scientific accuracy" and aimed essentially at ensuring
increased funding for the government's anti-tobacco campaign.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan