by David A. Kessler

About the author: David A. Kessler is commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

The tobacco industry has argued that the decision to smoke and continue to smoke is a free choice made by an adult. But ask a smoker when he or she began to smoke. Chances are you will hear the tale of a child.

Cigarette Addiction Begins in Childhood

It’s the age-old story, kids sneaking away to experiment with tobacco, trying to smoke without coughing, without getting dizzy, and staring at themselves in a mirror just to see how smooth and sophisticated they can look.

The child learns the ritual. It is a ritual born partly out of a childish curiosity, partly out of a youthful need to rebel...