Federal tobacco programs slashed. It will hurt Washington state kids | Opinion

As a pediatrician, I am deeply concerned about federal funding cuts that threaten child health in the Evergreen State.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In Washington state, it’s responsible for 8,300 deaths annually and about 27% of the cancer cases. Washington state also spends $3.26 billion in annual health care costs directly attributable to tobacco.

Now, key programs are on the chopping block, potentially reversing progress made on reducing tobacco use. The CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) has already been eliminated, and this action will weaken public health protections here in Washington State.

For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted youth with dangerous, highly addictive products by hiding their danger behind thousands of fruity flavors. Products are more addictive now: vapes have skyrocketing nicotine levels (some with as much as 20 packs of cigarettes) and flavored nicotine pouches (like Zyn) are now widely available and used by youth.

Among kids aged 12 – 17 years old who ever used e-cigarettes, 81% started with a flavored product. Despite their innocent-sounding flavors, e-cigarettes often contain harmful chemicals.

Doctors are seeing harm firsthand. One young teen mentioned starting vaping due to fruity flavors like strawberry. They noticed breathing issues during soccer practice and problems at school. They wanted to quit but struggled with withdrawal so severe they needed nicotine replacement therapy medications. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Statewide data confirms what we’re seeing: youth are vaping more often, with many using more than 20 days per month, strongly indicating nicotine addiction. It’s alarming — and preventable.

Nicotine use is harmful to children’s developing brains — the U.S. Surgeon General reports that nicotine can damage attention, learning, mood and impulse control development.

Programs funded by OSH are critical. Last year, our state received $1.8 million for essential services like the Washington State Quit Line, which provides free services to help people quit. For every $1 invested in the state Quit Line, Washington state saves $2.15 in healthcare costs. This is just one of the many critical programs OSH funds in Washington state that help people quit, stop kids from starting, and prevent smoking-related chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Congress must reject cuts to tobacco prevention and control programs and reaffirm its commitment to protecting kids and advancing the health of every Washingtonian. U,S. Senator Patty Murray has called on the current administration to stop blocking important funding for Washington and other states and has developed a bipartisan appropriations bill that would continue funding for these lifesaving efforts. She and others must continue to fight to preserve these programs to ensure we do not take a step backwards in our efforts to protect our kids.

Let’s not allow the tobacco industry to undo decades of progress. Our kids deserve better.

Dr. Crystal Shen, M.D, M.P.H., is a pediatrician in Seattle and a member of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Federal tobacco programs slashed. It will hurt Washington state kids | Opinion."