Group: SD Fails In Protecting Youth From Tobacco

Source from:  keloland.com 01/21/2008

According to the American Lung Association, South Dakota received an "F" last year in protecting youth from tobacco dangers. The group says the failing grade was in the category of youth access to tobacco. The state earned a "D" in tobacco control program funding and grades of "C" in smoke-free air and cigarette tax. The association's grades are based on state tobacco control laws. A lung association official says South Dakota should develop programs for stores that sell cigarettes so it can improve its grade on youth access. A 2005 survey showed that about 8% of South Dakota middle school students and 28% of high school students smoke. Enditem