Whereas, Tobacco use, including cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, and Smokeless tobacco use, remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States; and

Whereas, Each year approximately 400,000 Americans die from causes attributed to cigarette smoking and tobacco use; and

Whereas, Each day, more than 3,500 people under the age of 18 try their first cigarette and another 1,100 become regular, daily smokers. About one third of these young people will die from a smoking-related disease in the future; and

Whereas, Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and the smoke exhaled from the lungs of smokers. Secondhand smoke contains more than 250 chemicals known to be toxic or cancer causing, including formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide; and

Whereas, There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. Short exposures to secondhand smoke can cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining of blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart rate variability, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack; and

Whereas, Of children 3 to 11 years of age, almost 60 percent, or 22 million, are exposed to secondhand smoke; therefore be it

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent organizations participate with other relevant organizations in public service campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of all tobacco products and secondhand smoke and their effects on children and youth; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent organizations increase efforts to educate parents and community members about the dangers of all tobacco products and secondhand smoke and its effect on children and youth; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent organizations to support and cooperate in the education of children and youth regarding the danger of all tobacco products and secondhand smoke.

Resolved, That the National PTA and its constituent organizations participate with other relevant organizations in advocating for policies and legislation that reduce tobacco use, initiation, and secondhand smoke exposure among children and youth.