New American Lung Association Report Reveals States Failing to Enact Lifesaving Tobacco Contro...( --Only Two States Passed Comprehensiv...),Health

--Only Two States Passed Comprehensive Smokefree Laws, Three plus DC Raised Tobacco Taxes--

WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to a report released today by the American Lung Association, 2008 proved to be a slow year for tobacco control policies on the state level, with only a select few taking the steps that are needed to curb tobacco use and save lives.

In its annual update of State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues or SLATI, now in its 21st year of publication, the American Lung Association tracks the passage of legislation and other state policies related to tobacco control and prevention, including tobacco taxes, smoking restrictions and funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. SLATI is the only comprehensive summary of state tobacco control laws, and is also available online at http://slati.lungusa.org. The website is updated regularly to reflect changes in tobacco control laws as they take effect.

"Unfortunately, the significant momentum previously achieved with the passage of smokefree workplace laws stalled during 2008," said Stephen J. Nolan, American Lung Association National Board Chair. "Only two states joined the American Lung Association's Smokefree Air Challenge by adopting comprehensive laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars."

To date, 24 states including South Dakota just last month, plus the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive smokefree laws as part of the American Lung Association's Smokefree Air challenge. A map illustrating the nation's progress towards becoming smokefree can be found online at: www.lungusa.or
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