The American Lung Association says Pennsylvania is toward the bottom of the pack when it comes to tobacco prevention efforts.
Pennsylvania won't be hanging their report card on the refrigerator. In their annual State of Tobacco Control report, the organization gave Pennsylvania three failing grades and two D's.
Chief Mission Officer Deb Brown says the lacking resources not only hurt the tobacco user, but those around them.
“We have several loophole in our clean indoor air act, including casinos, where people are permitted to smoke,” explains Brown. “And we want to make sure we’re protecting more residents and visitors to second hand smoke.”
The American Lung Association gave Pennsylvania failing grades in prevention programs, state tobacco taxes and sale of flavored tobacco products.
“Health care costs due to smoking here in Pennsylvania is around $6.3 Billion every year,” says Brown. “So… if we can prevent young people from starting to use tobacco products and help individuals quit smoking, hopefully we can lower that health care cost.”
About 14 percent of adults and 27 percent of high school students use tobacco products in Pennsylvania, higher than the national average.
The organization is also suggesting legislators increase funding for prevention and cessation programs and increasing tobacco taxes.
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