Recognizing that the use of tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, and is therefore a significant threat to the public health in Washington State; and

Knowing that specifically users of tobacco, persons exposed to second-hand smoke and infants exposed to tobacco in utero all suffer significant health consequences; and

Having evidence that tobacco advertising, particularly repetitive and in multiple media, has the consequence of promoting tobacco use and inducing children to initiate tobacco use; and

Believing that marketing (to adults who wish lawfully to purchase tobacco) is not immune to restrictions of reasonable time, place and manner of advertising; and

Knowing that local boards of health have "supervision over all matters pertaining to the preservation of the life of the people within its jurisdiction";

The Washington State Public Health Association resolves to:

1. Urge the legislature to prioritize funding for programs aimed at reducing tobacco use by all citizens of Washington, especially our youth, including restrictions on advertising of tobacco and tobacco productions; and
   
2. Urge state and local jurisdictions to restrict all outdoor advertising of tobacco and tobacco products.

Adopted by the vote of the Membership assembled at the 1998 Annual Business meeting of the Association, October 5, 1998 in Yakima, Washington.

Signed by: George Hilton, WSPHA President

1. Preventing Tobacco Use Among young People, A Report of the Surgeon General, 1994
2. Growing Up Tobacco Free, Institute of Medicine, 1994
3. Surgeon General’s Report 4 KIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1994
4. Revised Code of Washington RCW 70.05.060: Powers and Duties of Local Board of Health