DES MOINES, IOWA (February 20, 2023) — The Iowa Tobacco Prevention Alliance hosted a reception Tuesday, February 14, at the state capitol to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of Iowa’s Smoke Free Air Act.
The measure was signed into law in 2008, prohibiting smoking in places of employment to protect employees and the general public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The Smokefree Air Act helped reduce the smoking rate for Iowa adults from 21.5% in 2007 to 14.6% in 2021.
In attendance at the We LOVE Smokefree Air Celebration were legislators, health leaders, and community members who helped pass the landmark law. Among the notable speakers was Former Governor and United States Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad.
“I am incredibly proud to have been a part of the team that helped pass the Smoke Free Air Act and years later, see the impact of this policy on Iowa families, like my own daughters who have never ate at a restaurant who allowed smoking,” said Stacy Frelund, government relations director for the American Heart Association, Iowa. “However, there are still ways we can improve this policy by restricting use of e cigarettes and helping casino workers and patrons be protected by including casinos.”
Those in attendance also took action to build upon the milestone for public health that took place fifteen year ago, asking lawmakers to consider:
- Expanding the Smokefree Air Act to include casinos and e-cigarettes;
- Increasing the tobacco tax by $1.50 per pack; and
- Increasing the tobacco prevention and cessation funding to help adult Iowans to quit and prevent youth from starting.
“In Iowa, 31.4% of cancer deaths are still attributed to smoking,” said Jackie Cale, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Raising the tax on tobacco products is scientifically proven to be the most effective way to prevent children from starting to use tobacco and help adult users quit.”
The We LOVE Smokefree Air Celebration was hosted by the public health organizations comprising the ITPA, including: The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, The American Lung Association, The American Heart Association, Clean Air for Everyone, and Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights.
“Since the enactment of Iowa’s Smoke Free Act, we have seen significant declines in the smoking rate, lung cancer mortality rate and exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor public places,” said Kristina Hamilton, advocacy director for the Lung Association in Iowa. “The Smoke Free Act’s fifteenth anniversary is a proud milestone in Iowa and will help ensure Iowans continue to breathe clean, fresh air.”
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share life-saving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
