Extinguishing the tobacco epidemic in West Virginia

WEST VIRGINIA KEY FACTS In 2015, 40.8% of West Virginia high school youth reported currently using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Among West Virginia high school youth, 18.8% reported currently smoking cigarettes. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO TOBACCO USE IN WEST VIRGINIA There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. West Virginia has a tradition of adopting comprehensive local smoke-free policies throughout the state. Currently, over 60% of the state is protected by comprehensive county or city ordinances that prohibit smoking in all indoor areas of workplaces, restaurants, and bars. As more communities and counties adopt smoke-free laws, West Virginia has continued to inform efforts that protect residents from exposure to secondhand smoke. 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. For example, 5 colleges and universities prohibit tobacco use in buildings and on campus grounds in West Virginia, including all 3 campuses of Fairmont State University. West Virginia Wesleyan College was the last college to adopt a tobacco-free campus policy in January 2017. For more information on tobacco prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/tobacco.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection