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The second annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2003 report analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas - smoke-free air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise taxes and youth access to tobacco. Iowa scored grades of "F" in smoke-free air, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, and "F" cigarette tax rate.  Iowa received a "C" for it's youth access to tobacco laws.

In Iowa, more than 4,600 people die every year from tobacco use, and 37 percent of Iowa workers are still exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace. Tobacco use costs Iowa more than $800 million a year in healthcare costs.  Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of death in Iowa and the American Lung Association report highlights how we need to do more in this state to eliminate this major public health threat.

Two areas needing immediate legislative action are increased funding for tobacco control programs and amending the Iowa Clean Indoor Air Law.  The tobacco control program in Iowa needs your help.  It is critical that Iowa invest dollars to prevent our children from becoming addicted to tobacco and to help adult smokers quit for good.  This is a sound investment that will save lives and reduce our state's health care costs.

Local communities in Iowa are prohibited from enacting protective clean indoor air ordinances. Amending the state law would give control over this public health risk back to the local community.