Anti-Tobacco Efforts in the U.S. Not Enough

A report by the American Lung Association has criticized U.S. President George W. Bush and also the Congress for opposing efforts at stricter tobacco-related regulations and discouraging people from smoking. It also said the efforts put in by the states were not enough to ensure reduction in smoking cigarettes.

In its report, the group indicated that one of the reasons for the reduced efforts was extensive lobbying by the tobacco industry. It said the lobbying had been able to influence at least a section of U.S. politicians. The report further stated the Congress should provide the required authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so it could control the presence of cigarettes.

The report stated, “While many states have failed to make meaningful progress at protecting their most vulnerable citizens, the tobacco companies are spending billions of dollars annually marketing their deadly products.”

In its report, the American Lung Association went on to say that federal candidates received Political Action Committee contributions from the tobacco industry to the tune of $3 million in the election cycle for 2005-2006. Of this amount, over $1.7 million found its way directly to the federal candidates. This data is found in a report issued by Common Cause and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund, the report said.

A report from another body, the Institute on Money in State Politics, said the total money the tobacco industry contributed during the 2005-2006 election cycle to candidates ballot measure campaigns, and committees at the state level was more than $96 million.

The states had, in 1998, arrived at an agreement with the industry, which required it to provide a sum of $246 billion through 25 years to cover costs associated with the treatment of illnesses associated with smoking. However, campaigners against smoking say the states have used these funds for non-tobacco related activities and projects, such as road construction and covering budget deficits.

The report said the positive anti-tobacco measure of increasing the federal cigarette excise tax to $1.00, a hike of $0.61 was made redundant by the presidential veto. It, however, applauded some of the states for the measures they had taken to curb smoking. It praised the 21 states, the District of Columbia, and also Puerto Rico for putting in place stringent legislations to ensure smoke-free air.

The report stated, “In 2007, seven states -- Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Oregon and Tennessee -- significantly strengthened their smoke-free air laws. Tennessee is the first traditional tobacco-growing state to pass strong restrictions on smoking in public places and workplaces.”

One complaint the American Lung Association had was the pace at which states increase taxes on tobacco. Increased taxes can act as a strong and effective deterrent for tobacco smokers, studies have revealed. The report further said states spent less on programs that could help smokers get rid of their habit and prevent smoking.

There are no extensive laws to combat passive smoking in public spaces in over half of the United States, the report pointed out. It said unless something was done ensure the policies outlined in the report, 438,000 Americans would continue to succumb to tobacco-related ailments annually.

Besides, the report also accused the tobacco industry of trying to lure youths and even children by marketing flavored cigarettes and also with attractive bright packaging.