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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.  Virginia scored grades of  “F” in smokefree air, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, "F" in youth access to tobacco and "F" for its cigarette excise tax.

This report should be a wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the status of tobacco control in Virginia. Our local smokefree air laws are weak. Approximately 38,000 non-smoking Americans die from secondhand smoke each year. No one in Virginia should have to breathe toxic fumes when visiting or working in a public establishment. The time is now to pass a smokefree law that will save lives.

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. 

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to your legislator in support of legislation to protect all workers from secondhand smoke in Virginia.  We encourage you to edit the letter adding your own personal message.

Sincerely,

Terry Hargrove
American Lung Association of Virginia