Tobacco use kills around 480,000 people every year.

It’s the nation’s leading cause of preventable death and disease, according to the American Lung Association.

This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” report from the ALA calls for stronger tobacco control policies.

The ALA is urging South Carolina officials to increase the price of tobacco products and require a license for tobacco sales, in cluding electronic cigarettes.

The report found over 27% or 1 in 4 high school students uses vaping products.

This is a 135% increase in high school e-cigarette use in the past 2 years.

Adult tobacco use remains at 24%.

“Tobacco use is a serious addiction and South Carolina needs to implement the proven measures to prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said American Lung Association Director of Advocacy June Deen.

The report gave SC:

• Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade [F]

• Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws - Grade [F]

• Level of State Tobacco Taxes - Grade [F]

• Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco - Grade [B]

• Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Grade [F]

President Trump signed a Federal tobacco law raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 for purchase of tobacco products.

The ALA says one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use, especially for youth is to increase the tax on all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

It has also called on Congress to eliminate all flavored tobacco products.