(TNND) — The American Lung Association released its annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, sounding a warning that cuts to federal anti-smoking programs might endanger efforts to curb use.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But the Lung Association said the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health has been virtually eliminated as part of broader cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Thomas Carr, the Lung Association’s director of national policy, said federal tobacco prevention efforts have gotten worse in the last year.

“We’ve seen some pretty fundamental change,” Carr said.

The “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign that was operated out of that CDC office is off the air for now, he said.

The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates tobacco products, also saw significant staff cuts, he said.

And federal funding that helps states offer smoking cessation programs was delayed last year.

Youth tobacco use is at a 25-year low, and adult smoking rates have dropped to about 10% from close to 25% in 2000.

The Lung Association said sustained efforts to reduce tobacco use work, but Carr said the progress is in jeopardy, especially if the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health remains effectively closed.