Tobacco

In 1964, the surgeon general issued the first Report on Smoking and Health to review and evaluate the health consequences of tobacco use. Since that landmark report, tobacco has become increasingly recognized as the leading cause of preventable illness and death in our society. Tobacco use is directly linked to cancers, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, and pregnancy complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking accounts for more than 435,000 deaths and an estimated $193 billion in direct and indirect medical costs each year in the United States. Despite the well-known health risks and cost of smoking, approximately 21% of U.S. adults still smoke tobacco products, and an additional 3% currently use smokeless tobacco products. It is estimated that each day ...