Acting Health Minister Walter Lister has cited tobacco use as the number one killer in Bermuda. He said that smoking related deaths exceed the combined total of those due to suicide, AIDS, road traffic accidents and homicide.

The announcement came on the heels of concerns made by Shadow Minister Michael Dunkley on the dangers of smoking and Government?s lack of addressing it. Mr. Dunkley called for Government to ban the sale of cigarettes to children under 18.

In a release issued yesterday Mr. Lister, pictured right, said the dangers of cigarette smoking and tobacco use will be addressed with restrictions placed on its sponsorship and promotion.

He admitted that it is a major health problem describing it as ?the most important cause of preventable illness and premature death in Bermuda?.

He said that smoking is a major cause of respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, vascular disease and cancers of the lung, oral cavity, urinary tract and cervix.

He acknowledged that multiple approaches will be required to effectively address the problem and indicated that the Ministry has developed proposals for additional restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and promotion, sales to minors and smoking in public places, as well as public education.

The Minister also acknowledged that broad consultation will be required on these proposals. In particular the Ministry will seek input on proposals to prohibit smoking in public places and the definition of ?public places? before finalising proposals for legislation.

He ended his remarks by noting that Government supports the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and is committed to ensuring compliance with the Convention.