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As a father, I know how hard parents try to protect our kids from danger. I hope all parents join me in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which gives the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over the manufacturing, sale and marketing of tobacco products.

With 3,900 children picking up their first cigarette and 1,000 children becoming regular smokers every day, this landmark legislation is necessary to safeguard our kids from Big Tobacco's predatory and deceptive marketing.

The law already banned the manufacturing and distribution of candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes that were marketed by Big Tobacco to entice kids to start smoking.

Now, the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to minors is prohibited nationwide for the first time, and tobacco vending machines are banned except in adult-only facilities. With effective implementation, the law will have a huge impact in ensuring that fewer kids start to smoke. Smoking-related diseases remain the most preventable cause of death. The law will help to deter our kids from smoking, making this an anniversary worth celebrating.

Fred Gruskin, Rockville

The letter writer is an American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer.