HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia received ‘F’ grades in all but one category in the American Lung Association’s just-released State of Tobacco Control report. The American Lung Association released the results Wednesday for its 22nd annual report. The association said the report “evaluates states and the federal government’s actions to eliminate the nation’s leading […]
Virginia receives failing grade on State of Tobacco Control report (Source: KSLA News 12) By Caitlin Piemme | January 27, 2021 at 6:49 PM EST - Updated January 27 at 9:51 PM
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) The State of Tobacco Control report shows Virginia received a failing grade in all categories, including tobacco prevention and control program funding, tobacco taxes, smoke-free air, access to cessation services and flavored tobacco products.
The report looks at the state’s efforts to reduce tobacco use and address the youth vaping epidemic.
Director of Advocacy from the American Lung Association Aleks Casper says this grade is not uncommon for the state, and they are trying to help the situation by pushing for a bill to be passed to raise the tax on tobacco. She says raising it to more than a dollar is necessary for it to be a public health benefit.
Pa. receives bad grades for tobacco prevention, especially among kids
Updated Jan 27, 2021;
Posted Jan 27, 2021
FILE - A new report from the American Lung Association says 17.3 percent of Pennsylvania residents smoke.AP Photo/Patrick Sison
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Pennsylvania received all Ds and Fs in the latest national report card from the American Lung Association, which grades states on their efforts to reduce tobacco use.
Pennsylvania received an F, for example, for having no ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products including electronic-cigarettes, seen as the main path to tobacco addiction for young people.
The lung association also strongly urged Pennsylvania lawmakers to remove exemptions from the Clean Indoor Air Act that can allow smoking in places including bars, private clubs and casinos.