Smoking

American Lung Association Calls Upon Lawmakers to Reinvigorate their Commitment to Tobacco Control by Joining the Smokefree 2010 Challenge

WASHINGTON, D.C., August, 12, 2008— Despite 46 states and the District of Columbia receiving an estimated $1 billion in additional funds this April from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, a new report from the American Lung Association finds fewer states are implementing policy initiatives to reduce tobacco use than in recent years.

The 2008 mid-term update to the American Lung Association’s State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues or SLATI report, uncovered a pattern of decreased and flat funding for state tobacco control programs.    » read more »

New CDC Study Shows Dangers of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

August 13, 2008 -- Burlington, VT – During August and September, the Vermont Department of Health wants to help Vermonters create smoke-free zones to protect both children and adults from being exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke.    » read more »

Public Health Releases New Risk Factor Data

August 13, 2008 -- Many Kentuckians report they are in poor health, have been diagnosed with chronic diseases, and don’t have access to health care, according to 2007 data released today by the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH).

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems, a survey, conducted by the Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement in DPH, looks at several health indicators, such as diet and physical activity, to determine the health and lifestyle habits of Kentuckians.    » read more »

Las Vegas, NV – The International Association of Fire Fighters has announced the launch of a new initiative to help fire fighters, family members and friends to quit smoking cigarettes.

“Our goal is to help make the IAFF the first smoke-free union,” IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger said in his address to delegates at the IAFF 49th Convention.

Cigarette butts: Photo by The Other

The IAFF is collaborating with pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. to promote smoking cessation. Schaitberger and Pfizer CEO Jeff Kindler first announced the joint initiative at the IAFF Health and Safety Conference in Chicago, Illinois, in October 2007.    » read more »

August, 2008 -- Home fire deaths are higher in states that have a greater percentage of smokers, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published this month in the journal Injury Prevention. If smoking at home is reduced or stopped, fewer residential fire deaths may result, the study said.    » read more »

Durham, NC -- 16 June 2008 -- In the past decade, many Americans and Europeans have become more aware of the dangers of smoking. Large tobacco companies have seen their cigarette sales in these countries plummet as legislators have passed laws forbidding smoking in restaurants, bars and many other public places. But other tobacco sales are increasing.

New research from the Harvard School of Public Health has found that in the U.S. the drop in sales of cigarettes has been accompanied by increased sales of tobacco in other forms. This increase appears to offset at least a third of the drop in cigarette sales.

Sales of small cigars has increased in the United States, as cigarette sales declined
Sales of small cigars have increased in the United States, as cigarette sales declined    » read more »

Relevant Areas to be Smoke-Free in 90 Days

June 13, 2008 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed into law the Clean Indoor Air Act, which will protect Pennsylvanians from the deadly health effects of secondhand smoke by prohibiting smoking in most public places, including restaurants, workplaces and a portion of casino floors.

Cigarette: Photo by Bruce (CC)    » read more »