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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2007 report has been released!  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, tobacco control program funding, cigarette taxes and youth access to tobacco.  Virginia scored grades of "F" in smokefree air, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, and "D" in youth access to tobacco and an "F" grade for its cigarette tax.

This report should be a wake-up call to the legislature about the status of tobacco control in Virginia. Our local smokefree air laws are weak, putting lives in danger.  Recently Gov. Timothy Kaine introduced legislation to make Virginia’s restaurants smokefree and he needs to hear from you that you support this effort.  Almost 50,000 non-smoking Americans die from secondhand smoke each year. No one in Virginia should have to breathe toxic secondhand smoke when working in or visiting public places and workplaces.  Now is the time to pass a comprehensive smokefree law that will save lives.

In 2006, the U.S. 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 same year, the American Lung Association issued its Smokefree 2010 Challenge, urging all states to pass comprehensive legislation prohibiting smoking in all public places and work places by 2010. Twenty-one states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have now approved comprehensive smokefree legislation.

Please take a moment to send a letter to Governor Kaine in support of legislation to protect workers and patrons alike from secondhand smoke in Virginia restaurants.