PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — So many people are switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping in Pennsylvania that it is affecting how much money the state can spend on anti-smoking efforts, according to a recent study.
"People are moving away from cigarettes and moving toward other products like vape products, and none of that money is going into this funding," said Elizabeth Hensil, director of advocacy at the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania received several failing grades in the organization's State of Tobacco Control report, released on Wednesday, and a “D” when it comes to smoke-free air.
"The Clean Indoor Air Act has not been amended since 2008. Industries have changed," she said.
According to the report, the CDC says Pennsylvania would have to spend $140 million annually to properly address the tobacco dependence problem in Pennsylvania, but it's only spending 14% of that total.
"Each year, the program is receiving less and less funding and it's really just because of math. It's not anyone taking money away from the program, it's just how the formula works," said Hensil.
She said the ALA is working with the governor's office and the state Legislature to find ways to get dedicated funding that won't depend so heavily on tobacco sales.
Read the full report here.