Parents or suppliers?

Parents of children in Washington who are under the age of 18 and who use tobacco products should know that they are going to become the major source of these harmful agents for kids.

With the new $1 increase in the Washington tobacco tax, older siblings and buddies will be more reluctant to supply these deadly items. Internet purchase of tobacco is being eliminated by the banning of delivery of tobacco products by the United States Postal Service, UPS and FedEx. Compliance checks have sharply decreased over-the-counter sales to children.

Responsible parents should realize that if they continue to be a source of tobacco, they will give kids serious messages. They will see that you do not care if they violate the Washington state law that says those under age 18 cannot possess tobacco products, and you do not care about the damage tobacco does to their health. Since the school dropout rate is higher and grades are lower for those who use tobacco, you do not care about their education.

Parents, it is your choice. They are your children.

Dennis W. Biggs Jr., M.D.

Spokane