Question

Read the paragraph.

Between 2018 and 2021, the number of states that prohibited the purchase of tobacco under the age of 21 (previously 18) increased from nine to 42 states.

Which statement best supports the rationale for this public health policy change?

Most people decide to stop smoking before they turn 21.
The majority of smokers begin smoking when they are teenagers.
Adults over 21 are more likely to be able to afford to purchase cigarettes.
The states that did not raise the minimum age already have low smoking rates

Answer 1

The majority of smokers begin smoking when they are teenagers.

Explanation: Raising the minimum purchase age to 21 aims to prevent initiation during adolescence, since most smokers start as teens; making tobacco harder for teens to access reduces new, lifelong smokers.