Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer on (404) 639-7090.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques for other forms of information technology. Send comments to Seleda Perryman, CDC Assistant Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D24, Atlanta, GA 30333. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Proposed Project

1. List of Ingredients Added to Tobacco in the Manufacture of Smokeless Tobacco Products—(0920-0338)—Renewal—Office of Smoking and Health (OSH)—Oral use of smokeless tobacco represents a significant health risk which can cause cancer and a number of noncancerous oral conditions, and can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence. Furthermore, smokeless tobacco use is not a safe substitute for cigarette smoking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) has been delegated the authority for implementing major components of the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) tobacco and health program, including collection of tobacco ingredients information. HHS's overall goal is to reduce death and disability resulting from cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use through programs of information, education and research.

The Comprehensive Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C. 4401 et seq., Pub. L. 99-252) requires each person who manufactures, packages, or imports smokeless tobacco products to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with a list of ingredients added to tobacco in the manufacture of smokeless tobacco products. This legislation also authorizes HHS to undertake research, and to report to the Congress (as deemed appropriate), on the health effects of the ingredients. The total annual burden is 286 hours.

The total cost to respondents is $22,000. This cost is based on an average of $1,972 per company.

2. List of Ingredients Added to Tobacco in the Manufacture of Cigarette Products—(0920-0210)—Renewal—The Office of Smoking and Health (OSH)—Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death and disability in our Nation. Each year more than 400,000 premature deaths occur as the result of cigarette smoking related diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) has the primary responsibility for the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) smoking and health program. HHS's overall goal is to reduce death and disability resulting from cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use through programs of information, education and research.

The Comprehensive Smoking Education Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 1336 Pub. L. 98-474) requires each person who manufactures, packages, or imports cigarettes to provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with a list of ingredients added to tobacco in the manufacture of cigarettes. This legislation also authorizes HHS to undertake research, and to report to the Congress (as deemed appropriate), on the health effects of the ingredients. The total annual burden is 2,660 hours.

The total cost to respondents is $189,000. This cost is based on an average cost of $13,491 per company.