Lung association flunks Ohio anti-smoking efforts

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio has received two failing grades in an annual report card on what the states are doing to control smoking.

The American Lung Association has given Ohio “F”s for the amount of money it spends to prevent smoking and for its coverage of programs to help people quit. The state also earned a “D” for its cigarette tax.

However, the group gave Ohio an “A” for smoke-free air. The state has had a ban on smoking in most indoor public places since 2007.

The lung association faults Ohio for cutting funding last year for anti-smoking programs, including the state’s tobacco Quit Line. It had to limit its free service to certain groups, including pregnant women.

Only four states — Delaware, Hawaii, Maine and Oklahoma — received all passing grades.