US Signs Global Tobacco Treaty 1 The United States has taken the first step toward approving a global tobacco treaty that promises to help control the deadly effects of tobacco use throughout the world. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) this week at the United Nations. The Senate must still approve the treaty before the US can implement its provisions. 2 The FCTC was developed by the World Health Organization and approved by members of the World Health Assembly, including the United States, last year. Countries that ratify it would be required to enact strict tobacco control policies. 3 For instance, cigarettes sold in those countries would have to have health warnings on at least 30% of the front and back of every pack. The treaty calls for higher tobacco taxes, restrictions on smoking in public places, and more promotion of tobacco prevention and cessation programs. It also requires bans on tobacco advertising, though there are some exceptions for countries like the United States, where the Constitution prohibits such an outright ban. 4 The impact of the treaty could be huge. The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco use kills nearly 5 million people worldwide every year. In the US alone, about 440,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses; about one-third of all cancers in the US are caused by tobacco use. If current trends continue, WHO estimates, by 2025 tobacco will kill 10 million people each year. 5 The treaty must be ratified by at least 40 countries before it can take effect. So far, 109 countries have signed it, and 12 have ratified it.