Support American Samoa Smoke Free Environment Act

Tobacco smoking is the major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and chronic respiratory disease. It causes cancer of the lungs, esophagus, mouth, bladder, and larynx and contributes to cancer of the cervix, kidney and pancreas. It is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death.

Although smoking prevalence has declined in many developed nations, it has increased in many less developed countries, including those in the Western Pacific region. The current data indicate that smoking prevalence has not declined in nearly two decades in American Samoa.

The risk of smoking related chronic disease therefore remains high for a large proportion of American Samoans.

It is time to eliminate smoking in all indoor public places.