Reduce the Death and Disease Caused by Tobacco
Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death and disease in California. Despite significant gains in the last 20 years, 4 million Californians still smoke and youth smoking has increased for the first time in a decade. To make matters worse, tobacco is pedaled by an industry that targets young people with marketing and advertising
campaigns glamorizing smoking.
As a leader in California's tobacco control movement, the American Lung Association of California has helped to pass some of the toughest anti-tobacco laws in the country and change the way people think about tobacco use. We have successfully fought for laws to increase the tobacco tax to reduce youth smoking and fund prevention and education
programs as well require tobacco retailers to get a license to sell tobacco.
The American Lung Association also works to protect Californians from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke, which was recently declared a toxic air contaminant by the California Air Resources Board. Thanks, in part, to our efforts, Californians can now breathe smoke-free air in nearly every indoor area, including workplaces, bars and restaurants, and at many beaches, parks and other outdoor venues. Our focus is on passing legislation that will further reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. For example, we are working in communities across the state on smoke-free policies for apartment buildings and condominiums so Californians aren't forced to breathe secondhand smoke in their own homes.
The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing
The Center helps local communities meet their policy objectives by using community organizing strategies. The Center also tracks tobacco industry campaign contributions and provides policy information and analysis for significant tobacco control bills, emerging issues like tobacco retailer licensing and smoke-free multi-unit housing, and breaking news stories.
STAKE Act
The STAKE Act or Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement Act is a statewide program coordinated by the American Lung Association of California that checks to make sure retailers are obeying the law prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors.
