In the recently released American Lung Association's 22nd annual "State of Tobacco Control" report, According to a news release, Alabama finds itself trailing behind the nation in efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use. The state received failing grades across all evaluated categories, highlighting the need for policymakers to prioritize proven tobacco control measures.

The report, which assesses state and federal policies aimed at eliminating tobacco use, emphasizes the importance of implementing effective laws and policies to save lives. Alabama's consistent failing grades underscore the severity of the tobacco epidemic within the state, claiming the lives of over thousands of residents annually.

"Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Alabama and across the country, claiming the lives of 8,650 state residents each year," said Ashley Lyerly, senior director of advocacy, Alabama at the American Lung Association in the release. "The tobacco industry will do anything to protect their profits at the expense of Alabama lives, so we must push forward in our efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use."

According to an article published by Gulf Coast Media in August 2023, efforts are being made to reduce tobacco use. The article revealed that a new Alabama law went into effect Aug. 1, 2023 that prohibits smoking cigarettes or vaping in a vehicle when children 14 years and younger are passengers in the car. The article further stated that smoking or vaping in a vehicle with children is now considered a secondary violation under the law. If a smoking or vaping driver is pulled over for another reason and a child is in the vehicle, the driver will be responsible for paying a fine of up to $100.

However, even with this new law, Alabama still scored poorly on the "State of Tobacco Control" report.

Alabama's Grades in the "State of Tobacco Control" Report:

• Funding for state tobacco prevention programs – Grade: F
• Strength of smokefree workplace laws – Grade: F
• Level of state tobacco taxes – Grade: F
• Coverage and access to services to quit tobacco – Grade: F
• Ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products – Grade: F

The grades above have not changed from previous years, mirroring the same failing trends since 2017 according to past reports on the American Lung Association's website. For more information on these categories or to see a full list of state rankings visit lung.org/research/sotc/state-grades.

In light of the report's findings, the Lung Association urges local elected officials in Alabama to undertake specific actions aimed at addressing the state's challenges in tobacco control. The first recommendation is the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco retail licensing program, designed to enhance enforcement and ensure compliance with existing tobacco control statutes. Additionally, the Lung Association advocates for the passage of comprehensive local smokefree ordinances that safeguard all workers and patrons from the hazards of secondhand smoke. Finally, the call extends to ensuring access to comprehensive quit tobacco coverage for Medicaid recipients, aiming to provide necessary support for individuals seeking to quit tobacco use within the state. These initiatives are seen as crucial steps in the broader effort to improve Alabama's tobacco control landscape and mitigate the impact of tobacco-related issues on public health.

Also inlcuded in the report were the federal grades for the 2024 report focus on recent actions, including President Biden's delay in finalizing rules to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars coupled with the FDA’s overdue review of all applications for e-cigarette products, including flavors that are popular among youth. 

The 2024 "State of Tobacco Control" report grades the federal government in five key areas:

• Federal government regulation of tobacco products – Grade: C
• Federal coverage of quit smoking treatments – Grade: D
• Level of federal tobacco taxes – Grade: F
• Federal mass media campaigns to prevent and reduce tobacco use – Grade: A
• Federal minimum age of sale for tobacco products to 21 – Grade: Incomplete
  • FDA remains overdue in publishing the final tobacco 21 regulations as required by statute, which is why this category earned an “incomplete.”

Despite federal disparities, with grades ranging from a C in the regulation of tobacco products to an A in federal mass media campaigns, the report stresses the urgency for nationwide efforts to combat the sale of flavored tobacco products.

"This year, we are working with state policymakers to pass a comprehensive tobacco retail licensing program to ensure enforcement and compliance with all tobacco control statues," Lyerly said. "Rigorous enforcement of tobacco control laws is critical to minimizing the accessibility of tobacco products and, ultimately, reducing youth tobacco use."

Accoridng to the news release, the Lung Association is putting pressure on the White House to finalize rules to cease the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Individuals who would like to send an email to President Biden regarding flavored tobacco products can do so at lung.org/stop-menthol.

For more details on the "State of Tobacco Control" report and to participate in advocacy, visit lung.org/sotc.