Office on Smoking and Health (OSH)
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death in the United States. As of 2021, approximately 28.3 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, with over 16 million living with at least one smoking-related disease. Additionally, 58 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads […]
The Earth is Not Disposable: Nicotine Vape Waste
The Environmental Toll of Vapes Vaping isn’t just harmful to health—it’s a hidden threat to the environment. Disposable vapes and e-cigarettes contribute to deforestation as their production requires extracting raw materials like lithium for batteries. These batteries, often improperly discarded, leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, creating hazardous waste that can’t be thrown […]
Health Problems Caused by Secondhand Smoke
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, as even brief exposure can cause immediate harm. In adults who do not smoke, secondhand smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and adverse reproductive health effects in women, such as low birth weight. For infants and children, secondhand smoke is […]
Cigars
Cigar smoke contains the same toxic, cancer-causing compounds as cigarette smoke, making it dangerous for both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. Cigars deliver nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can hinder brain development and make quitting tobacco difficult. Even people who claim not to inhale cigar smoke are still exposed to harmful chemicals, […]
Health Effects of Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco might seem like a safer option, but it comes with serious risks that are hard to ignore. It can lead to nicotine addiction and increase the risk of deadly cancers, including those of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. Users face diseases like leukoplakia and oral cavity cancers, and pregnant individuals risk early delivery […]
Tobacco-Related Mortality
Overall, mortality rates among smokers in the United States are about three times higher than those of non-smokers, primarily due to smoking-related diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and vascular diseases. Smokeless tobacco also poses significant health risks, being a known cause of cancer and potentially increasing the risk of sudden death due to heart […]
Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults in the United States
Cigarette smoking among adults has decreased over recent decades. Most adult tobacco users continue to use combustible products, with cigarettes remaining the most widely used type. E-cigarettes are the second most commonly used tobacco product, and their use among adults rose between 2019 and 2022. Certain population groups favor specific types of tobacco products more […]
Game Changers: How Sports Teams Can Lead the Fight Against Tobacco
Sports teams have a broad, dedicated fan base that spans diverse demographics, making them ideal advocates for tobacco control, as their messages can quickly gain widespread attention. Athletes, admired and emulated especially by young people, can influence public attitudes toward tobacco use. Advocating for tobacco control aligns with the health-centric image of sports, enhancing the […]
How Sports Teams Can Champion Tobacco Control: A Winning Strategy for Health and Community Impact
Involving sports teams in tobacco control policies, like Minnesota’s proposed flavor ban, can have a powerful impact by leveraging their broad reach and community influence. With a vast fan base and respected athletes, teams can effectively amplify health messages, reaching diverse audiences and inspiring young fans who see athletes as role models. Aligning with public […]
Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low, Yet Disparities Persist
Current tobacco use among U.S. middle and high school students has reached its lowest level in 25 years, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). Over the past year, at least 500,000 fewer students reported using tobacco products, with 2.25 million students in 2024 compared to 2.80 million in 2023. This decline is […]