2 decades after settlement, tobacco remains leading cause of preventable death
This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement - the largest civil settlement in U.S. history. The 1998 court settlement was between 46 states and the District of Columbia and the four major tobacco companies at the time, and provided new protections against the marketing of tobacco products to kids and the opportunity for funding to address tobacco-related diseases in our nation. The American Lung Association (ALA) celebrates this public health accomplishment, and calls on more states to fully fund tobacco control efforts, prevent youth use of tobacco products and support the health of those living with tobacco-caused disease.
“Despite historically low smoking rates, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in our nation,” said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. “Today, 16 million people are living with a smoking-related disease. Many of these individuals were hooked on tobacco through marketing practices intentionally targeting children and youth. Reining in tobacco company marketing through the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) was a critical step, but much more can be done to prevent youth use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and help smokers quit.”