Iowa Lawmakers Propose Raising Tobacco Taxes To Address Rising Cancer Rates

For the third consecutive year, Iowa has the fastest-growing cancer rate in America and the second-highest overall cancer rate. Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa State Lawmakers introduced proposals to fight Iowa's rising cancer rates.

But are the proposed measures enough and focused on all the areas of concern?

More Taxes On Tobacco, Hemp, and Vapes To Fight Cancer

According to Yahoo News, Gov. Kim Reynolds has proposed raising the cigarette tax by 65¢ to $2.01 a pack. The Iowa Health Initiative wants an increase of a $1.50 a pack. Reynolds also wants to impose a 15% tax on vaping.

The purpose behind the increase isn't to get people to quit smoking (although some might); it's actually to raise more money for cancer research.  This has already shown us that smoking causes lung cancer.

Another major factor for lung cancer in Iowa is Radon.  The Iowa Capital Dispatch wrote that leaders in Reynolds’ administration spoke on the need to address radon exposure, but also said they plan to encourage behavioral practices.

The Big Cancer Factor Not Being Addressed By Iowa Lawmakers

Nitrate-producing runoff from manure and fertilizer is contaminating Iowa's soil and water supply.  There is no question or debate about that.  There is also no debate on whether nitrates cause cancer.

Nitrates can form N-nitroso compounds (NOCs) in the body, which are known carcinogens that damage cells.

These nitrates can be found in processed meats and in drinking water.  The Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment Study says 80% of nitrates in Iowa's water supply are from agricultural runoff.

Even though municipalities are required to test for nitrates and keep levels below EPA standards, research indicates that chronic exposure to nitrate levels even below this standard may be associated with long-term health risks, including cancer and birth complications. 

With nitrate levels in Iowa water often near or even exceeding the EPA limit, Iowa lawmakers are not openly addressing the issue.  Maybe the money from cigarette taxes will fund research to show that something needs to be done about the water we are drinking in Iowa.  Or maybe, we already know that.

READ MORE:  IOWA HAS THE FASTEST-RISING CANCER RATE IN THE COUNTRY