The EVALI outbreak and tobacco sales in the USA, 2014–2020

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2021-056807
Author(s):  
Alex C Liber ◽  
Zachary Cahn ◽  
Megan C Diaz ◽  
Emily Donovan ◽  
Donna Vallone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
State Level ◽  
Product Distribution ◽  
Us States ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Tobacco Sales ◽  
Panel Regressions ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Sales

BackgroundThe E-cigarette, or Vaping Product-Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Outbreak of 2019 hospitalised thousands and killed dozens of people in the USA and raised perceptions of the dangers posed to health by electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). These illnesses along with continued increases in youth vaping rates lead to the passage of many state and federal laws intended to curtail the sale of flavoured e-cigarettes. Little is known about the impact of these events on US e-cigarette and cigarette retail sales.MethodsUsing Nielsen Scantrack sales data from January 2014 to January 2020 for 23 US states, we evaluate the effect of the EVALI outbreak. First-differenced state-panel regressions tracking unit sales of total-level and category-level e-cigarettes and cigarette sales controlling for price, Tobacco 21 policy coverage, product distribution, seasonality, EVALI-attributable deaths, and state-level e-cigarette policies affecting the availability of e-cigarettes (non-tobacco flavoured and total) were employed.ResultsDollar sales of e-cigarettes declined 29% from their pre-EVALI peak by January 2020. Total sales of e-cigarettes declined in response to EVALI deaths and the total e-cigarette sales ban put in place in Massachusetts adopted in its wake. Cigarette sales were largely unchanged by either the direct or indirect policy effects of the EVALI outbreak, except for in Massachusetts, where cigarette sales—particularly those smoked by young people—rose temporarily after a total ban on e-cigarette sales.ConclusionSales of e-cigarettes declined in response to the EVALI outbreak and from the most restrictive regulatory policies that were adopted in response, while sales of cigarettes were affected less.

Classifying the comprehensiveness of flavoured tobacco sales restrictions: development and application of a tool to examine US state and local tobacco policies

2021 ◽  
pp. tobaccocontrol-2021-057042
Author(s):  
Emily Donovan ◽  
Shanell Folger ◽  
Maham Akbar ◽  
Barbara Schillo
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Local Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Tobacco Policies ◽  
Tobacco Sales ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
Menthol Cigarettes ◽  
The Usa ◽  
State And Local

ObjectivesComprehensive tobacco control policies with minimal exemptions can reduce tobacco use and sales. Many states and localities have adopted flavoured tobacco product (FTP) sales restrictions. This study describes the development and application of a schema to characterise the comprehensiveness of these FTP sales restrictions.DesignWe coded state and local FTP sales restrictions enacted June 2007–March 2021 for retailer, tobacco product, and flavour inclusions and exemptions. Guided by FTP literature, legal resources and meetings with FTP policy experts, we developed a six-level classification scheme to characterise coded FTP policies from least to most comprehensive. We present descriptive statistics of FTP policy features and comprehensiveness.ResultsAs of 31 March 2021, 7 state-level and 327 local-level FTP sales restrictions were enacted in the USA. Most state-level policies (71.4%) were categorised in the second lowest comprehensiveness category; local policies most commonly fell within the lowest (48.9%) or highest (26.0%) comprehensiveness categories. Across jurisdictions, adult-only retailers were most frequently exempted from the FTP sales restrictions (state: n=1, 14.3%; local: n=184, 56.3%); and most jurisdictions included electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as a banned product (state: n=6, 87.5%; local: n=227, 100%). While just over half of state (n=4, 57.1%) and local (n=169, 51.7%) sales restrictions included menthol e-cigarettes, most excluded menthol cigarettes and/or menthol smokeless tobacco.ConclusionsComprehensiveness of FTP sales restrictions in the USA varies widely. Current and future FTP policies would be strengthened by including all flavours and all tobacco products—particularly menthol cigarettes—and by avoiding exemptions for certain retailers, particularly adult-only retailers.

The impact of labor freedom on geographic cost of living differentials

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-395
Author(s):  
Richard Cebula ◽  
James E. Payne ◽  
Donnie Horner ◽  
Robert Boylan
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
State Level ◽  
The State ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of labor market freedom on state-level cost of living differentials in the USA using cross-sectional data for 2016 after allowing for the impacts of economic and quality of life factors. Design/methodology/approach The study uses two-stage least squares estimation controlling for factors contributing to cost of living differences across states. Findings The results reveal that an increase in labor market freedom reduces the overall cost of living. Research limitations/implications The study can be extended using panel data and alternative measures of labor market freedom. Practical implications In general, the finding that less intrusive government and greater labor freedom are associated with a reduced cost of living should not be surprising. This is because less government intrusion and greater labor freedom both inherently allow markets to be more efficient in the rationalization of and interplay with forces of supply and demand. Social implications The findings of this and future related studies could prove very useful to policy makers and entrepreneurs, as well as small business owners and public corporations of all sizes – particularly those considering either location in, relocation to, or expansion into other markets within the USA. Furthermore, the potential benefits of the National Right-to-Work Law currently under consideration in Congress could add cost of living reductions to the debate. Originality/value The authors extend the literature on cost of living differentials by investigating whether higher amounts of state-level labor market freedom act to reduce the states’ cost of living using the most recent annual data available (2016). That labor freedom has a systemic efficiency impact on the state-level cost of living is a significant finding. In our opinion, it is likely that labor market freedom is increasing the efficiency of labor market transactions in the production and distribution of goods and services, and acts to reduce the cost of living in states. In addition, unlike previous related studies, the authors investigate the impact of not only overall labor market freedom on the state-level cost of living, but also how the three sub-indices of labor market freedom, as identified and measured by Stansel et al. (2014, 2015), impact the cost of living state by state.

Sodium menu labelling: priorities for research and policy

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Eleanore Alexander ◽  
Lainie Rutkow ◽  
Kimberly A Gudzune ◽  
Joanna E Cohen ◽  
Emma E McGinty
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
The State ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Legal Databases ◽  
State And Local ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Research And Policy

Abstract Objective: To understand the different Na menu labelling approaches that have been considered by state and local policymakers in the USA and to summarise the evidence on the relationship between Na menu labelling and Na content of menu items offered by restaurants or purchased by consumers. Design: Proposed and enacted Na menu labelling laws at the state and local levels were reviewed using legal databases and an online search, and a narrative review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted on the relationship between Na menu labelling and Na content of menu items offered by restaurants or purchased by consumers. Setting: Local and state jurisdictions in the USA Participants: Not applicable. Results: Between 2000 and 2020, thirty-eight laws – eleven at the local level and twenty-seven at the state level – were proposed to require Na labelling of restaurant menu items. By 2020, eight laws were enacted requiring chain restaurants to label the Na content of menu items. Five studies were identified that evaluated the impact of Na menu labelling on Na content of menu items offered by restaurants or purchased by consumers in the USA. The studies had mixed results: two studies showed a statistically significant association between Na menu labelling and reduced Na content of menu items; three showed no effects. Conclusion: Data suggest that Na menu labelling may reduce Na in restaurant menu items, but further rigorous research evaluating Na menu labelling effects on Na content of menu items, as well as on the Na content in menu items purchased by consumers, is needed.

How does the estate tax affect the number of firms?

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel A. Yakovlev ◽  
Antony Davies
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
State Level ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Tax Burden ◽  
Estate Tax ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Number Of Firms

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to estimate the effect of the combined (Federal and state) estate, inheritance, and gift (EIG) tax burden per decedent on the number of firms in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – Estimates are based on a longitudinal panel of 50 American states from 1988 to 2006. Findings – The paper finds that the growth in the EIG tax burden per decedent significantly reduces the growth in the number of firms, especially small firms. The higher dissolution rate among small firms can be attributed to the asymmetric liquidity effect, which limits the ability of small business owners to raise the funds needed to pay the estate tax without liquidating their estates. Practical implications – The estimates suggest that the reductions in EIG taxes, brought about by the passage of 2001 EGTRRA, have lead to a higher growth in the number of firms, ceteris paribus. Social implications – As of this writing, the future of the Federal estate tax looks uncertain. Policymakers should note that the estate tax lowers competition and economic growth, which hurts both the poor and the rich. Originality/value – This study is the first to examine the impact of the combined (Federal and state) EIG tax burden on the number of firms using state-level panel data.

scholarly journals The impact of a federal cigarette minimum pack price policy on cigarette use in the USA

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan J Doogan ◽  
Mary Ellen Wewers ◽  
Micah Berman
Keyword(s):  
State Level ◽  
Price Policy ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Level Data ◽  
The Us ◽  
Minimum Price ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundIncreasing cigarette prices reduce cigarette use. The US Food and Drug Administration has the authority to regulate the sale and promotion—and therefore the price—of tobacco products.ObjectiveTo examine the potential effect of federal minimum price regulation on the sales of cigarettes in the USA.MethodWe used yearly state-level data from the Tax Burden on Tobacco and other sources to model per capita cigarette sales as a function of price. We used the fitted model to compare the status quo sales with counterfactual scenarios in which a federal minimum price was set. The minimum price scenarios ranged from $0 to $12.ResultsThe estimated price effect in our model was comparable with that found in the literature. Our counterfactual analyses suggested that the impact of a minimum price requirement could range from a minimal effect at the $4 level to a reduction of 5.7 billion packs sold per year and 10 million smokers at the $10 level.ConclusionA federal minimum price policy has the potential to greatly benefit tobacco control and public health by uniformly increasing the price of cigarettes and by eliminating many price-reducing strategies currently available to both sellers and consumers.

scholarly journals Can antipoverty programmes save lives? Quasi-experimental evidence from the Earned Income Tax Credit in the USA

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e037051
Author(s):  
Peter Muennig ◽  
Daniel Vail ◽  
Jahn K Hakes
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Income Tax ◽  
State Level ◽  
Earned Income Tax Credit ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Tax Credit ◽  
Earned Income ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo estimate the impact of state-level supplements of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on mortality in the USA. The EITC supplements the wages of lower-income workers by providing larger returns when taxes are filed.SettingNationwide sample spanning 25 cohorts of people across every state in the USA.Participants793 000 respondents within the National Longitudinal Mortality Survey (NLMS) between 1986 and 2011, a representative sample of the USA.InterventionState-level supplementation to the EITC programme. Some, but not all, states added EITC supplementation to varying degrees beginning in 1986 (Wisconsin) and most recently in 2015 (California). Participants who were eligible in states with supplementary programmes were compared with those who were not eligible for supplementation. Comparisons were made both before and after implementation of the supplementary programme (a difference-in-difference, intent-to-treat analysis). This quasi-experimental approach further controls for age, gender, marital status, race or ethnicity, educational attainment, income and employment status.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was survival at 10 years. Secondary outcome measures included survival at 5 years and survival to the end of the intervention period.ResultsWe find an association between state supplemental EITC and survival, with a HR of 0.973 (95% CI=0.951–0.996) for each US$100 of EITC increase (p<0.05).ConclusionState-level supplemental EITC may be an effective means of increasing survival in the USA.

‘Gun shop projects’ for suicide prevention in the USA: current state and future directions

2020 ◽  
pp. injuryprev-2020-043648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan Polzer ◽  
Sara Brandspigel ◽  
Timothy Kelly ◽  
Marian Betz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
National Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
Programme Implementation ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo describe community-driven suicide prevention partnerships between firearm retailers and public health officials (‘gun shop projects’), including common elements and challenges.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with leaders from state-level and national-level partnerships to determine common features, challenges and strategies used by these groups. Data were coded via theme analysis; two independent coders followed a shared codebook developed in an iterative fashion and with high inter-rater reliability.ResultsAcross 10 interviews, data revealed four main themes: (1) community building was a cornerstone of these efforts; (2) appropriate messaging and language were vital to successes; (3) groups employed various educational and outreach campaigns and (4) groups identified common challenges and obstacles.ConclusionsGun shop project partnerships between firearm retailers and public health officials show promise, with thematic data demonstrating common trends and steps towards successful programme implementation. Evaluative data are needed to determine the impact of these efforts on suicide prevention in local communities.

scholarly journals Birthplace diversity and economic growth: evidence from the US states in the Post-World War II period

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Docquier ◽  
Riccardo Turati ◽  
Jérôme Valette ◽  
Chrysovalantis Vasilakis
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
World War Ii ◽  
College Education ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Us States ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Rich Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This paper empirically investigates the impact of birthplace diversity on economic growth. We use panel data on US states over the 1960–2010 period. This rich data set allows us to better deal with endogeneity issues and to conduct a large set of robustness checks. Our results suggest that diversity among college-educated immigrants positively affects economic growth. We provide converging evidence pointing at the existence of skill complementarities between workers trained in different countries. These synergies result in better labor market outcomes for native workers and in higher productivity in the R&D sector. The gains from diversity are maximized when immigrants originate from economically or culturally distant countries (but not both), and when they acquired part of their secondary education abroad and their college education in the USA. Overall, a 10% increase in high-skilled diversity raises GDP per capita by about 6%. On the contrary, low-skilled diversity has insignificant effects.

National and state patterns of concept-flavoured cigar sales, USA, 2012–2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris G Gammon ◽  
Todd Rogers ◽  
Ellen M Coats ◽  
James M Nonnemaker ◽  
Kristy L Marynak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
District Of Columbia ◽  
State Level ◽  
Tobacco Product ◽  
Product Code ◽  
Consumer Review ◽  
Tobacco Sales ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Product Sales

IntroductionCigar sales have increased in the USA in recent years. A growing proportion of cigar sales are of flavoured varieties, many bearing ambiguous or ‘concept’ flavour descriptions (eg, Jazz). This study assessed US cigar sales by flavour category (ie, concept flavoured, characterising flavoured and tobacco), at national, regional and state levels.MethodsSales of cigarillos, large cigars and little cigars from chain, franchise and convenience stores, mass merchandisers, supermarkets, drug, dollar and club stores, and military commissaries during 2012–2016 were acquired from the Nielsen Company. US national-level and state-level sales, including District of Columbia, were analysed by flavour category. Flavour descriptors were classified as ‘tobacco', ‘characterising’ or ‘concept', based on Universal Product Code (UPC)-linked characteristics and brand website and consumer review descriptions.ResultsCigar sales increased by 29% during 2012–2016, driven by a 78% increase in cigarillo sales. The proportion of concept-flavoured sales increased from 9% to 15%, while the proportion of sales decreased for tobacco (50% to 49%) and characterising flavours (eg, cherry) (41% to 36%). Cigarillos had the greatest increase in unique concept flavour descriptions (17 to 46 unique UPCs), with most sales occurring among Sweet, Jazz and Green Sweets concept flavours. By US region, total and concept-flavoured cigarillo sales were highest in the South.ConclusionsFlavoured cigars are increasingly labelled with concept flavours, including in areas with flavoured tobacco sales restrictions. Cigarillos are driving recent increases in US cigar and concept-flavoured cigar sales. It is important to consider concept flavours when addressing flavoured tobacco product sales and use.

scholarly journals Placement and sales of tobacco products and nicotine replacement therapy in tobacco-free and tobacco-selling pharmacies in Northern California: an observational study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e025603
Author(s):  
Liriany Pimentel ◽  
Dorie E Apollonio
Keyword(s):  
Observational Study ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Nicotine Replacement Therapy ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
San Jose ◽  
Nicotine Replacement ◽  
Tobacco Sales ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Number Of Customers

ObjectivesAlthough tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the USA, it is routinely sold in pharmacies. In 2008, San Francisco became the first city in the USA to pass a tobacco-free pharmacy ordinance. Over the next decade, 171 municipalities enacted similar policies, and in 2018, Massachusetts banned tobacco sales in pharmacies. Our objective was to assess the perceived effects of tobacco-free pharmacy policies on displays, sales, customer visits and counselling.DesignObservational study and survey.SettingIn 2017, we visited Walgreens and CVS stores in San Francisco and nearby San Jose, which allows tobacco sales, to assess placement of tobacco and over-the-counter tobacco cessation products (nicotine replacement therapy or NRT). We surveyed an employee at each site regarding the impact that tobacco-free pharmacy policies had had on customer traffic and sales of NRT.ParticipantsWe obtained display data from 72 pharmacies and collected surveys from 55 employees (76% response rate).ResultsA majority of respondents at tobacco-free pharmacies (55%) reported that the policy had not affected customer visits. In comparison, 70% of respondents at tobacco-selling pharmacies believed that eliminating tobacco sales would reduce the number of customers visiting their stores. Pharmacies that were tobacco free and those that sold tobacco reported comparable displays, sales and counselling for NRT.ConclusionsPharmacies operating under tobacco-free policies did not report reduced customer visits. Greater awareness of this outcome could help pharmacies implement public health recommendations to eliminate tobacco sales.

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