College student smoking rates are at their lowest level ever, but in a new report the American Lung Association warns that unless the tobacco industry stops targeting college students, rates could rise again, HealthDay News reported Sept. 9.

The report, which looked at published research, surveys and tobacco industry documents, found that tobacco companies are going to great lengths to market their products to college students, such as sponsoring promotions in bars and nightclubs. In 2005, the tobacco industry spent more than $1 million a day sponsoring such events.

"Colleges and universities have a responsibility to provide safe spaces in which their students can learn and live. This should include an environment free from secondhand smoke and advertising that encourages young adults to use deadly tobacco products." said Bernadette A. Toomey, president and CEO of the American Lung Association.

College students are prime targets, according to tobacco companies, because students are entering transitional stages in their lives -- a time when many develop long-term behaviors. "The industry's return on investment is staggering ... Even worse is (the tobacco industry's) continued campaign to increase these numbers," Toomey said. "Every college student in America has a target on their back as far as the tobacco industry is concerned."