Each year, more than 438,000 Americans die from smoking-related illnesses caused by tobacco products that have largely escaped all health or safety oversight by the federal government.  It is inexcusable that these deadly consumer products are unregulated.  But we can change this with your help. Smoke from a single cigarette contains over 4,000 toxic chemicals, including arsenic, formaldehyde and ammonia. The tobacco industry spends over $15 billion to market tobacco products annually. Children and youth are especially influenced by these advertisements. Every day more than 1,140 kids become addicted, daily smokers. Effective FDA authority over tobacco products will protect public health, improve consumer awareness and save lives. It will -

• Require the disclosure of ingredients and additives in tobacco products.
• Require changes in tobacco products to reduce harm such as reduction of harmful components when technologically feasible.
• Require independent scientific testing of tobacco products and health claims about them. Prohibit dangerous and deceptive health claims.
• Restrict advertising and promotions that appeal to kids.
• Crack down on illegal sales of tobacco products to children.

Some tobacco companies are now targeting our children with candy- and alcohol-flavored cigarettes, and Congress must do something about it. These candy-flavored cigarettes come with names such as Twista Lime, Kauai Kolada and Midnight Berry. Recently, a new wave of alcohol-flavored cigarettes with names like Screwdriver Slots and Blackjack Gin was introduced. These tactics clearly show the lengths to which tobacco companies will go in order to target our children for a lifetime of addiction. The FDA bill would ban flavored cigarettes and crack down on other marketing to our kids.  

It is critical that public health advocates take an active role in the FDA debate and let Congress know that it must give the FDA authority to regulate deadly tobacco products and advertising claims.  Let your Senators and Representative know that you support strong FDA regulation of tobacco. Your voice does count!

American Lung Association Issues Tobacco Policy Trend Alert Calling for Government Action: Click Here

American Lung Association Issues Report Detailing Recent Tobacco Industry Campaign Linking Smoking With Alcohol Use, Gambling: Click Here