American Lung Association Releases 18th Annual “State of Tobacco Control” Report

On January 29, the American Lung Association (Lung.org) released the 18th annual State of Tobacco Control report, which finds that in 2019 Nebraska earned mixed grades on its efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including e-cigarettes. The report calls for proven tobacco control policies in light of the fact that the country’s youth vaping epidemic worsened in 2019. The need for Nebraska to take action to protect youth from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is more urgent than ever, with the youth vaping epidemic continuing its alarming rise to 27.5%. This is a staggering 135% increase in high school e-cigarette use in just the past two years, and close to three million more kids started vaping in that time period, setting them up for a lifetime of addiction.

The Lung Association finds opportunities in 2020 for Nebraska officials to take action by increasing tobacco taxes, adding e-cigarettes to the smokefree law, and increasing funding for tobacco prevention and control programs. To learn more and support the work the association does, call 1-(800) 586-4872 or visit Lung.org.