The Directorate of Health prepared a report that manifests the social costs of smoking. It shows that costs related to health care and loss of production due to increased sickness and early death is about eight billion a year. Also, when years of life lost and lost quality of life is considered, the cost increases up to 80 billion annually, according to the report.
– I am most concerned that the tobacco costs many lives and wealth. There is much to be gained by reducing tobacco use in Norway, "said Health and Human Services Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen.
– The most important thing in our campaign against tobacco is not to save money, but to prevent disease and early death. I am particularly concerned to prevent young people starting to smoke. Protecting children and young people from smoking is very important to me, "said Health and Human Services Minister.
