Maryland Fails Tobacco Prevention: ALA Report

Maryland has received disappointing marks in the American Lung Association's annual State of Tobacco Control report, indicating a need to strengthen efforts against tobacco use. The state was graded poorly for its actions to eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco products and for its funding of tobacco prevention programs. However, Maryland was recognized with an "A" for its robust smoke-free workplace laws and received "Bs" for its state tobacco taxes and the availability of cessation services.

The ALA report highlights that tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable deaths and diseases across the U.S., resulting in over 7,490 annual fatalities in Maryland. Health experts at LifeBridge Health note that smoking heightens the risk of lung cancer, respiratory illnesses, and can negatively impact immune, digestive, and brain health.

According to Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy at the ALA, policymakers in Maryland must prioritize protecting the state's Clean Indoor Air Act from exemptions and ensure the continued funding of $18.25 million for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This advocacy comes as a recent study by the American Cancer Society reveals an increase in lung cancer diagnoses among women under 65.