Tobacco restrictions proposed in Linn County

CEDAR RAPIDS – Linn County could have new restrictions on smokeless tobacco products as early as June.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors will vote in May on three ordinances recommended by Linn County Public Health.

Those measures would prohibit the sale of dissolvable tobacco products; prohibit “buy one, get one” sales of different tobacco products for a combined price and prohibit adult-only temporary structures, such as tents at fairs, from distributing free samples of smokeless tobacco.

If approved, the laws would apply throughout the county, including Cedar Rapids and other cities.

Supervisor Linda Langston predicted Wednesday during a meeting of The Gazette Editorial Board that the measures would pass.

Langston, along with Tim Boyle of the American Cancer Society; Public Health Director Curtis Dickson, and Jill Roeder, manager of the department's Healthy Behaviors branch, told the board that the ordinances were proposed to protect youths.

“(Tobacco companies) have a product that kills the people who use it, so they have to keep opening new markets,” Langston said.

Linn County Public Health received a $2 million, two-year Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant last year through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to target tobacco policies. Ringgold County in Iowa also received a grant.

Roeder said the new tobacco products are packaged to look like candy or breath mints in a way that appeals to children.

She played YouTube videos that show teenage boys and girls using the products and demonstrating how they work.

“They don't need to market it in convenience stores and gas stations,” she said of tobacco companies. “YouTube is doing it for them.”

Camel Snus, pouches of tobacco placed between the lip and gums, is already being sold in Linn County.

That product would not fall under the ban, but sales of dissolvable tobacco such as orbs, strips and sticks  – not yet found in the county – would be prohibited. The products are marketed under names such as Ariva and Stonewall.

Boyle noted that the Snus metal container is shaped like a cell phone.

“So if this is in your back pocket, it looks innocent,” he said.

Roeder said parents are asking how they would know if their children are using the products, which don't emit smoke and come in flavors such as mint, cinnamon and mixed berries.

The Snus products have a small tea-like bag that must be disposed of, she said, and the products can cause mouth sores.

Using the products can lead to oral cancers, Roeder said.

Boyle said people often cite personal rights or business rights when it comes to tobacco restrictions and argue that “next they'll come for our cheeseburgers.”

“There is a safe way to use cheeseburgers in your life,” he said. “There is no way to safely use tobacco.”

Linn County Public Health had one informational session this week to discuss the proposed ordinances. Two are scheduled next week: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the Center Point Public Library and 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Mount Vernon Community Center.