Lung Association: States Failing to Implement Tobacco Control Policies

The American Lung Association says that few U.S. states took substantive action in 2008 to reduce tobacco use and prevent smoking-related deaths.

In its annual report, “State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues” the association said only three states and the District of Columbia passed legislation to increase tobacco taxes in 2008, and no states have met the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended funding level for preventing tobacco use.

Also, while 24 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws as part of the American Lung Association's Smokefree Air challenge, “Unfortunately, the significant momentum previously achieved with the passage of smokefree workplace laws stalled during 2008,” said Stephen Nolan, American Lung Association National Board Chair. “Only two states joined the American Lung Association's Smokefree Air Challenge by adopting comprehensive laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars.”