Advertising is an instrument by which the companies that sell tobacco products renew the ranks of consumers, said Ghenadie Turcanu, programs coordinator at the Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS). Those who are addicted already do not need publicity as nicotine works there, the expert said in a news conference at IPN.

Ghenadie Turcanu noted the advertisements are intended for the young people. Tobacco companies use marketing instruments for the young people to start to smoke. Studies show that a well-planned advertising and informational campaign every time brings about 10% new consumers.

The expert warned that the cigarette packs are located at the level of children’s eyes. The tobacco companies buy the most visible places in shops to exhibit their products. “The costs for a pack of cigarettes represent 10-20% of the price, while the other 80% are the profit, which is very big. The tobacco industry has very pungent marketing methods. The attention of children is drawn by tobacco products, not by books and journals,” said the programs coordinator of the PAS Center.

The Association of Medical Students and Residents, in partnership with the PAS Center, presented a study revealing that cigarettes are sold in 60% of the retail outlets located within 250 meters of primary and secondary schools in Chisinau and Balti municipality. The cigarettes are placed in the most visible places and some of the traders do not obey the law and do not place the sign showing that selling tobacco products to those younger than 18 is banned.