When it comes to tobacco control, state and the federal governments are falling far short of what is needed to oversee and enact tobacco prevention policies and programs, for the third year in a row, according to the American Lung Association’s 11th annual State of Tobacco Control report.
"We are faced with a deep-pocketed, ever-evolving tobacco industry that’s determined to maintain its market share at the expense of our kids and current smokers," according to Paul G. Billings, American Lung Association senior vice president for advocacy and education. "State and federal policymakers must battle a changing Big Tobacco and step up to fund programs and enact policies proven to reduce tobacco use," according to the 158-page report, which is presented on an interactive Web page, with infographics and easy to browse drop-down menus.
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The report, which tracks annual progress on tobacco control policies at the federal and state level, criticizes the Food and Drug Administration for not exercising its authority, and for not regulating various tobacco products, allowing for proliferation of a new generation of tobacco products aimed at youth.
The states’ inaction includes failure to invest the money from taxes and tobacco settlement payments into tobacco prevention programs, according to the report. The payments totaled close to $26 billion in 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that states spend a total of $3.7 billion to control tobacco use each year, but the states spent only $460 million, according to the American Lung Association analysis. Delaware, North Dakota, and Wyoming were the only states that did not receive a D or F (D for spending 50-59% of the CDC level, and F for less than 50%).
The only major tobacco prevention effort in 2012, according to the report, was the CDC’s "Tips From Former Smokers" advertising campaign, which cost $54 million. "We need more campaigns like this from the federal government," said Mr. Billings.
The report also followed the money, showing that during the 2011-2012 election cycle, candidates for state offices accepted $53.4 million from the tobacco industry. The industry also contributed more than $3.7 million to congressional and presidential candidates.
"It’s no wonder we’re losing ground in the fight to end tobacco-caused death and disease," said Mr. Billings. "Elected officials are getting cozy with Big Tobacco."
Smoking costs Americans $200 billion each year in health care costs and lost productivity.
On Twitter @NaseemSMiller