North Carolina fails to control tobacco use, gets straight F's on 'State of Tobacco Control' report

North Carolina got failing grades in its efforts to control tobacco use, according to a new report released from the American Lung Association.

The "State of Tobacco Control" report gives North Carolina an "F" in every category.

That includes prevention, access to services that help people quit and smoke-free air.

It also gives the state a "thumbs down" for having the fourth-lowest tobacco tax in the country.

The American Lung Association said the tobacco industry is ramping up its efforts.

"They are targeting the southeast in particular, but also certain racial and ethnic groups to continue to use their products," she said. "We know it is ultimately hurting not only the economy, the cost of these products, but also increasing chronic disease and other things across the state of North Carolina."

North Carolina is one of only four states to get straight F's on the report.