Tobacco Facts

Surgeon General's Report on Secondhand Smoke

There is No Risk-Free Level of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke

Major Conclusions of the Surgeon General Report

New Cigar Facts

The Rise of Cigars and Cigar-Smoking Harms

Smoking Facts in Alabama

-23.3% (811,900) of adults in Alabama smoke.

-26.8% (69,700) of high schools students in Alabama smoke.

-20.2% of male high school students in Alabama who use smokeless tobacco (percentage of females who use is much lower.

  • -12,400 of Alabama's youth start smoking each year.
  • -80 to 90% percent of smoking adults started before the age of 18.
  • -Youth in Alabama purchase or smoke 14.0 million packs of cigarettes each year. That's $64,820,000.00 dollars per year youth in Alabama spend on cigarettes.
  • -289,000 children in Alabama are exposed to second hand smoke at home.
  • -Secondhand smoke contains over 4000 chemicals including more than 40 cancer causing agents and 200 known poisons. (Mayo Clinic, 1997)
  • -Secondhand smoke has been classified by the EPA as a Class A carcinogen - a substance known to cause cancer in humans.(Mayo Clinic, 1997)
  • -7,400 adults in Alabama die each year from their own smoking.
  • -174,000 youth currently under 18 in Alabama will ultimately die prematurely from smoking.
  • -440-1,240 adults, children and babies die each year from others' smoking (secondhand smoke and pregnancy smoking.
  • -Secondhand smoke causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children.

    • All facts are from Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, unless otherwise noted. (www.tobaccofreekids.org)

    Smoking Poll

    The Alabama chapter of the American Cancer Society released a January 2008 study conducted by Little Rock-based Opinion Research Associates.

    Of 500 registered Alabama voters who participated:

  • 78 percent responded in favor of a law making all Alabama workplaces smoke-free.
  • 95 percent viewed secondhand smoke as at least some kind of health hazard.
  • 92 percent agreed no one should be exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace.
  • 79 percent responded that it is the government's responsibility to promote and protect public health.
  • 81 percent said they were likely to vote in the next election.
    • [Last updated: 2008-05-05 14:01:00]

    Learn How You Can Get Involved!

    How can I Support a Statewide Smoke-Free Bill?

    Become an Advocate!

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    Next Meeting

    The next Tobacco Free Alabama Meeting (Power Mapping Workshop) will be Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Eastmont Baptist Church; 4505 Atlanta Highway Montgomery, AL 36109

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    Sand Mountain Reporter

    Albertville Council OK's Smoking Ban

    The Albertville City Council passed an ordinance Monday night implementing a smoking ban in public places throughout the city.

    The counc...

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    USA Today

    Report: Nationwide smoking ban would reduce heart attacks

    If all states banned smoking in restaurants, offices and other public spaces nationwide, the number of Americans suffering from heart attacks would d...

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    Press Register

    Ban on Smoking in Alabama Restaurants Fails in Legislature

    MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- A proposal to ban smoking in Alabama restaurants failed after the state House did not vote on it Thursday, the last day of the 201...

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    Auburn Plainsman

    OUR VIEW: Statewide Smoking Ban Creates Haze

    State Senator Vivian Figures’, D-Mobile, bill to ban smoking in restaurants statewide is close to passing this legislative session.

    All the ...

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    Press Register

    Sen. Vivian FIgures' Smoking Ban Nears Final Passage

    MONTGOMERY -- A bill to ban smoking in restaurants, but not bars, neared final passage Wednesday, sailing through a House committee on a voice vote an...

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    The Associated Press

    Ala. House panel passes smoking ban in restaurants

    (AP) — MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A bill to ban smoking in restaurants in Alabama has passed a House committee and moved closer to receiving final passage.

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    AP

    State mental health facilities ban smoking

    MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Smoking will no longer be allowed and tobacco products will be banned from Alabama mental health facilities after Jan. 4.

    ...

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    NACS online

    Eleven States Have New Fire-Safe Cigarette Laws on the Books

    TALLAHASEE, Fla. – The new fire-safe cigarette laws in Florida, Michigan and nine other states go into effect the first week of this year, the Associ...

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    Prattville's Bama Lanes going smoke free

    PRATTVILLE -- Prattville's bowling alley will go smoke free June 1, 2010.

    The announcement was made in a recent letter to league players....

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    Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

    Approval of Michigan Smoke-Free Legislation Is Historic Win for Health

    It’s time for every state and community to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean air.

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    The Official Website of the Tobacco Free Alabama Organization