Tobacco Use Trend Worrisome; More Can and Must be Done to Protect Public Health

ALBANY, NY (11/08/2007)(readMedia)-- The report released today by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) depicts a troublesome trend in the use of tobacco products -- especially by children. For the first time in 40 years, the number of first time smokers has not declined and worse, the number of children smoking is increasing. It is imperative that our national and state elected officials take the lead in the fight against tobacco use.

-- Congress is currently considering legislation to grant the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products. The FDA would gain the authority to crack down on tobacco marketing and sales to kids, require disclosure of the contents of tobacco products and the removal of dangerous chemicals, and take other steps to protect public health. The need for FDA authority is clear: tobacco companies continue to market deadly and addictive products to children.

-- Governor Spitzer and our state legislature have an opportunity to make New York State a national leader in public health and well being by funding effective tobacco control programs. The CDC recently issued newly revised guidelines which recommend that New York State spend a minimum of $155.1 million annually, up from the current recommended minimum of $95.8 million. Currently New York State spends $87.5 million on its tobacco control programs, we must act to now to fully fund these life-saving programs and to help New Yorkers kick their addition to this deadly product.

The American Lung Association of New York State urges our elected officials to protect public health by acting now and helping us all breathe a little easier.

Editors note – Today’s CDC report on tobacco use is available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5644a2.htm.

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