Oregon Compares Alcohol to Asbestos | Seattle News

Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 10, 2026 · 1m

Oregon health officials sparked controversy by comparing alcohol to asbestos and tobacco as a top cancer risk, prompting backlash from industry groups and lawmakers who accused them of misleading the public with oversimplified, sensational messaging. Critics argued the “Group 1 carcinogen” label, which also includes processed meats and sunlight, doesn’t equate to equal danger, and questioned whether the agency was implying people should avoid barbecues. The health authority defended the post as an awareness tool, insisting the science is accurate even if it doesn’t detail risk variations…