Lung Association Commends Congressman Cooper on Championing Bill to Protect the Children of Tennessee

The American Lung Association in Tennessee applauds U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper for his strong support in helping pass H.R. 2339 which will require all flavored tobacco products to be removed from the marketplace.

The bill will also prohibit online sales of almost all tobacco products and crack down on industry marketing at kids.

This legislation is especially important for our state, where we have some of the highest smoking rates and highest lung cancer rates in the country. Each year, there are 11,380 people in Tennessee who die from a smoking-related disease.

Over 22% of our population struggles with an addiction to cigarettes, and more than 980,000 people currently live with lung disease. Now, 20% of high school students use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

Our nation is facing a youth e-cigarette epidemic, setting up our kids to become the next generation hooked on tobacco, and continuing the cycle of tobacco addiction and the diseases that come with it.

So the Lung Association commends Congressman Cooper for his leadership in working to reduce tobacco use and save lives.