American Lung Association fails R.I. on legal tobacco age, prevention funds

RHODE ISLAND has received an F grade for its legal tobacco age law from the American Lung Association, along with much of the United States. /COURTESY AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

PROVIDENCE — The American Lung Association has issued two failing grades to Rhode Island on its efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use this year, noting the Ocean State has fallen short on its minimum age for sale of tobacco products and on funding for the R.I. Tobacco Control Department.

This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” report from the American Lung Association finds Rhode Island earned two failing grades on its efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use.

The American Lung Association urged Rhode Island legislators to pass a statewide “Tobacco 21” law – to raise the age of sale from 18-21. The state received a failing grade in this category after a bill in the last legislative session failed to pass.

The legislation, (2018-H 7647), filed by Rep. Teresa Tanzi (D-Narragansett) would have applied to all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, and would’ve taken effect upon passage. The bill languished in the House Finance Committee.

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Daniel Fitzgerald, coordinator for Tobacco Free Rhode Island, said, “Virtually all adult smokers had their first cigarette before age 21, and most before the age of 18.   By increasing the age of sale for tobacco products to at least 21 years old, we can reduce youth tobacco use, slow the e-cigarette epidemic and save lives.”

The association also urged leaders to increase funding for the R.I. Tobacco Control Department in order to save the lives of Rhode Islanders.

Rhode Island received $195 million from tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, but the state’s programs were funded at $390,926, about 3 percent of the $12.8 million recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the ALA.

Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.

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