IOWA KEY FACTS

In 2015, 31.4% of U.S. high school youth reported currently using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Among U.S. high school youth, 10.8% reported currently smoking cigarettes.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO TOBACCO USE IN IOWA

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Iowa has a comprehensive smoke-free law that prohibits smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants, and bars, which has been in effect since 2008. Since that law was enacted, and upon request, the state provides research, data and analysis, and scientific consultation to communities, multiunit housing operators, hospitals, businesses, and colleges and universities that want to protect residents from secondhand smoke. In Iowa, all institutions of higher education are required to have a smoke-free campus. An additional 18 colleges or universities have adopted tobacco-free campus policies. Further, more than 10 public housing authorities have adopted policies making some or all of their housing units smoke-free.

For more information on tobacco prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/tobacco.