A new report by the American Lung Association shows most tobacco prevention programs in Pennsylvania are failing
“People are still being exposed to cancerous toxins and materials, said Aimee VanCleave, Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every five deaths in the U.S. is caused by tobacco.
Pennsylvania received three Fs and two Ds in the annual State of Tobacco report which focused on five categories including state funding for tobacco prevention programs and state taxes.
“We’ve seen proven polices that show that if you tax tobacco products at certain rates, it acts as a deterrent,” VanCleave said.
The American Lung Association says that more money designation for prevention could help decrease healthcare funding and reach more people in rural communities and youth.
The organization believes taking flavored tobacco products off the market is paramount to that mission.