The negative health impacts of tobacco use are well-studied and vast. Cigarette smoking has been a leading preventable cause of death in the United States, contributing to cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Cal State Fullerton public health researcher Joshua Yang has been appointed to California’s Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee to help oversee state tobacco control and prevention efforts. Yang has worked in tobacco control research for more than 15 years, including examining industry tactics and policy relating to tobacco control and alternative products.
Yang’s appointment to the committee does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. His first regular meeting is scheduled for July 11.
“Serving on the committee will allow me to support efforts at eliminating the burden of commercial tobacco use in California, which is a leader in tobacco control,” said Yang, professor of public health. “I am hoping that my appointment will allow me to contribute to a tobacco- and nicotine-free California.”
The committee oversees the use of Proposition 99 and Proposition 56 tobacco tax revenues for tobacco control and prevention education and research.
“The committee’s work is vital because it is one way to ensure that the tax revenue collected on tobacco sales as a result of the propositions is spent wisely and cost-effectively,” he said. “In addition, it is important to have a tobacco control master plan that is regularly reviewed and updated to account for new and emerging trends in tobacco and nicotine manufacturing, sale and use.”
Yang has worked on a wide array of research topics, including young adult tobacco and nicotine use, the adverse impacts of electronic cigarette use, the marketing of emerging tobacco and nicotine products, policy implementation and interventions for youth. He has authored over 20 publications, including some with his public health students.