Tobacco use is the nation’s leading cause of preventable death. In its annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, released on Jan. 24, the American Lung Association gives New Jersey two F grades, one B, one C and a D grade for its related policies and it suggests several policies and laws New Jersey could adopt to prevent and reduce tobacco use.

Specifically, the report urges the expansion of smoke-free laws to include all casinos, increasing the cigarette tax and prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products. Flavored and menthol tobacco products make smoking more accessible and more difficult to quit. Over 80% of Black Americans who smoke use menthol cigarettes.

“Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in New Jersey and across the country, and takes the lives of 11,780 state residents each year. The tobacco industry will do anything to protect their profits at the expense of New Jersey lives, so we must push forward in our efforts to prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said Michael Seilback of the American Lung Association in New Jersey.

“New Jersey lags behind when it comes to tobacco control policies, and as a result, we have adult smoking rates at 10.7%” Seilback said.