American Lung Association state of tobacco control:  2007
This report summarizes the American Lung Association’s evaluation of state and federal progress in tobacco control over the past year.  Each state was graded on various facets of its tobacco control efforts. Federal grades were also given.  Click here for the executive summary on the American Lung Association website to see how your state fared in the ratings.  Click here to read a write-up which includes a statement from the president and CEO of the American Lung Association. 

New report estimates 12 million cancer cases worldwide
According to a recent report from the American Cancer Society, there will be a total of 7.6 million cancer deaths in 2007, with 4.7 million of these deaths occurring in developing countries.  The report also compares cancer rates by type of cancer between economically developed nations and developing countries.  During the 20th century, tobacco use has resulted in 100 million deaths, a number which is expected to rise to 1 billion in the next  century.  To view a summary of the report, click here.  To view another article: click here

Smoking ban research questioned
A research report was released in December by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank suggesting that despite positive effects on health, cigarette bans have had a measurable negative economic impact, particularly on businesses that smokers frequent.  Later, the author of the paper, Michael Pakko, came forward with noteworthy information on his funding sources and affiliations.  He was invited by the Boone Liberty Coalition to testify against a smoking ban in Missouri, and is a past chair of the St. Louis County Libertarian Party.  Though his affiliations raise questions about his intentions, Mr. Pakko maintains that the economy is more important than his Libertarian views.  To read more, click here.  Click here to read the controversial report, Clearing the haze? New evidence on the economic impact of smoking bans. 

Evaluating the scientific evidence for potential reduced-risk tobacco products
The Life Sciences Research Office (LSRO) is currently reviewing the effects of “reduced-risk” tobacco products to determine whether science has actually proven a reduction in risk from the use of these products.  The project is funded by Philip Morris USA, though the company has no bearing on the conduct of the research or recommendations.  Click here for summaries of the existing reports and to see what is to come. 

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