CDC releases report on tobacco prevention programs

By Staff Writer

A new report released today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that rates of adult cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use vary widely from state to state, depending on how effectively they have implemented strategies to reduce tobacco use.

The report finds that many smokers also use smokeless tobacco, raising concerns about recent marketing that presents smokeless tobacco as a substitute for cigarettes where smoking is not allowed.

First, the report provides new evidence of the effectiveness of scientifically proven strategies to reduce tobacco use, including higher taxes, stronger smoke-free workplace laws, in addition to well-funded prevention and cessation programs. The report demonstrates that states with the lowest smoking rates have implemented these measures, while those with the highest rates have not.

Second, the report raises awareness of recent marketing campaigns for smokeless tobacco products that may be undermining efforts to reduce smoking. The report finds that in 32 states, more than 10 percent of male smokers also currently use smokeless products.