New report gives WA state 3 ‘F’ grades out of 5 categories for tobacco control policies

The results are in for this year’s statewide tobacco prevention effort test. Washington didn’t make the mark.

The American Lung Association released its yearly “State of Tobacco Control” report this week for every U.S. state and the federal government. Washington state received three ‘F’ grades out of five total reviews for its lackluster state funding toward tobacco prevention programs, access to cessation resources and its failure to ban flavored tobacco products. The federal government also received mixed reviews.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Washington state and across the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Around 8,300 Washingtonians die from smoking-related illness each year. In the report, ALA states that about 1 out of every 10 adult residents smoke, and 5% of high school-aged residents smoke.

U.S. states collectively receive $27.2 billion each year from tobacco settlement payments and tobacco taxes, according to the ALA. However, many states invest less than three cents per dollar toward tobacco prevention measures.

Washington State tobacco ranking

The American Lung Association examined and evaluated the Evergreen State in five areas with an A to F ranking system. The state received a failing grade in three of five categories:

• Funding for state tobacco prevention programs – F

• Strength of smoke-free workplace laws – A

• Level of state tobacco taxes – C

• Coverage and access to services to quit tobacco – F

• Ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products – F

Compared to the 2022 report, ALA gave the state the same grades.

For total funding for state tobacco control programs, Washington spent $8.4 million this past fiscal year. This figure is a far cry from the $63 million spending budget recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is outlined in the report. The state increased its funding for tobacco prevention and control programs by $5 million in the last fiscal year.

“Last year, we were pleased to see the state legislature appropriate some dollars for tobacco prevention programs,” Carrie Nyssen, senior director of advocacy at the American Lung Association in Washington, stated in the report. “While this didn’t change our grade, it was a small step in the right direction for funding prevention efforts.”

The Evergreen State received its only ‘A’ grade for its comprehensive list of smoking restrictions. In Washington, smoking is prohibited at government and private work sites, schools, restaurants, bars, casinos, retail stores and recreational facilities. The state’s “Smoking in Public Places” law has made it illegal to smoke in all indoor public places and workplaces since 2005.

ALA gave a mixed assessment of the state’s level of tobacco taxes. Washington’s tax rate per pack of 20 cigarettes is just over $3. The health organization supports increasing cigarette taxes to curb cigarette use. The ALA points to research that found that for every time cigarette prices are increased by 10%, the amount of adults and kids who smoke cigarettes reduces by 4% and 7%, respectively.

Washington received its second ‘F’ for access to tobacco cessation services. In its Medicaid program, Washington offers minimal counseling to patients. The state also invests only $0.48 per smoker toward CDC-run quitlines, which are telephone-based resources for those who want to quit smoking. The national median investment in quitlines is $2.37.

Finally, the ALA points out that the state has not implemented any regulations or restrictions for flavored tobacco products. The organization gave the state its third ‘F’ grade for this.

Tobacco changes recommended for WA

The report offers recommendations to the state in areas it can improve. ALA urges Washington to increase its funding for tobacco prevention measures and cessation programs, remove penalties for youth possession, use and purchase of tobacco products, and to defend the state law prohibiting smoking inside public and work spaces.

The ALA also encourages Washington to end the sale of flavored tobacco products. The organization cites a 2022 survey from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that found around 14% of high school students and 3% of middle schoolers use e-cigarettes. Of this population, 85% use flavored e-cigarettes.

Federal government review

Aside from Washington and the rest of the 49 states, the ALA also reviewed and evaluated the federal government’s actions toward minimizing tobacco use in five areas:

• Regulation of tobacco products – C

• Coverage of quit smoking treatments – D

• Level of federal tobacco taxes – F

• Mass media campaigns to prevent and reduce tobacco use – A

• Federal minimum age of sale for tobacco products to 21 – Incomplete

The category for tobacco regulation jumped from a ‘D’ to a ‘C’ this year from the 2022 report. Grades in the other four categories stayed the same.

The ALA recognized the federal government newfound efforts to ban menthol and flavored cigarettes, as proposed by the FDA last April. Congress also passed a law that will require the FDA to regulate tobacco products with synthetic nicotine.

The report offers ways the government can improve tobacco control measures. It states that the Biden administration should finalize bans on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. It also recommends passing the “Resources to Prevent Youth Vaping Act,” which would require the FDA to collect user fees on regulated tobacco products.

WA resources to stop smoking

If you or someone you know wants to quit smoking, Washington state has resources to help. According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, those who take advantage of resources or seek professional help are twice as likely to give up smoking for good than those who don’t ask for help.

The state’s quitline number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). The line gives anyone who it calls it free, confidential counseling from a quit coach. You may be eligible for free medication, too. Asian Smokers Quitline also provides free self-help material and counseling.

Smartphone users can also download the Washington state Department of Health’s 2Morrow Health app. The software helps users cope with cravings and urges connected to nicotine use. Users can make their own profile and track their progress.

The county health department has additional resources available on its website. Users can develop plans and receive coaching from medical experts and join support groups. MultiCare Health System also offers a free tobacco and nicotine cessation program workbook.

This story was originally published January 25, 2023 at 5:00 AM with the headline "New report gives WA state 3 ‘F’ grades out of 5 categories for tobacco control policies."