American Cancer Society in California Hails U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Secondhand Smoke as Validation of State's Pioneering SmokeFree Laws, Calls for Passage of November Ballot Measure to Increase Tobacco Tax.

(From AScribe)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- As the American Cancer Society (ACS) hailed the release of the U.S Surgeon General's report on secondhand smoke (statement of national CEO John Seffrin below), its leaders in California celebrated the report's particular relevance to California.

"This report validates California's pioneering work in becoming the first state in the nation to have smoke free workplaces, bars and restaurants," said Jennie Cook, ACS California Division volunteer and former chair of the national board. "It also demonstrates that the current efforts underway in cities and counties throughout California to enact local laws to extend smoke-free policies to parks, beaches, entryways, bus stops housing and outdoor worksites are important means to protect public health."

The report also adds urgency to the Society's efforts to pass a $2.60 cent per pack cigarette tax on the November ballot. "Smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death in California," noted ACS Los Angeles Regional …