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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2006 report has been released.  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise taxes and youth access to tobacco.  Tennessee scored grades of  "F" in smokefree air, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, and "F" in cigarette excise taxes.  The only area not cited for failure was youth access to tobacco products, which received a not-so-impressive grade of "C". 

This report should be a wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the status of tobacco control in Tennessee.   Approximately 38,000 non-smoking Americans die from secondhand smoke each year, including more than 1,000 Tennesseans. No one in Tennessee should have to breathe toxic fumes when visiting or working in a public establishment. 

In 2006, the US Surgeon General released a report stating that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.  The report also concludes that eliminating smoking in all indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. 

The time is now to pass a smokefree law that will save lives in Tennessee. We need your help during the coming legislative session to make 2007 the year that Tennessee will be Smokefree!