Tobacco

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The state of Tennessee has a long history with tobacco. While it has long been a cash crop for many farmers in our state, things are changing. Still, this history of having tobacco as a “good thing” is what defines much of the issue in our area to this day.

We now know that tobacco causes many devastating illnesses, including COPD and cancer. That should not be surprising, since tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals.

In addition, the “new kid in town” is e-cigarettes. While researchers are still debating the health effects, the risks to our youth appear to be great. With a multitude of flavors that might be enticing to them, we are at risk of having another generation that is hooked on nicotine, the ingredient in tobacco and e-cigarettes that is as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

As of 2014, Jefferson County smoking by adults was down from 40% in 2010 to about 26%. This compares to approximately 23% for the state, and about 18 percent for the U.S. (County Health Rankings)

State Laws

• Secondhand Smoke (Children’s Act for Clean Indoor Air  —  Non-Smoker Protection Act)
• Tennessee Tobacco Laws – Youth(Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes Act)
• Tennessee Preemption Law (TCA 39-17-1504)  (Americans for Non-Smokers’ Rights stance)

Links to More Tobacco-Related Information

• Tennessee Anti-Tobacco Advocacy Initiative – A web site with a wealth of information about tobacco in Tennessee
• S.M.A.R.T. Moms TN – Smart Mothers are Resisting Tobacco
• The State of Tobacco (American Lung Association) – Tennessee Report Card
• Tobacco-Free Kids
• Tennessee Tobacco Retailer Education Guide
• In 2014, More Youth  used e-cigarettes than tobacco cigarettes
• Public Health Advisory – Electronic Cigarettes
• Prevent Tobacco Use – PreventTobbacoUse.Org