Smoking is responsible for approximately 1 in 5 deaths in United States. Smoking-related disease claim an estimated 440,000 American lives each year, including those affected through “secondhand” smoking. Among adults, most smoking attributable deaths were from lung cancer coronary heart disease and chronic lung disease. (See below)

Smoking is known to cause chronic lung disease, heart disease, and stroke, as well as cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth,
and bladder. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for about 30% of all cancer deaths. Smokeless tobacco and cigars also have deadly consequences, including lung, larynx, esophageal, and mouth cancer. CDC also states that novel tobacco products such as bidis and clove cigarettes should not be considered safe alternatives to conventional cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.

The harmful effects of smoking do not end with the smoker. Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have babies who have an increased risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and respiratory distress. These babies are also more likely to have low birth weight and a variety of infant health disorders.

In addition, secondhand smoke has harmful effects on nonsmokers. Each year, an estimated 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die of lung cancer, and more than 35,000 die of heart disease. Up to 300,000 children suffer from respiratory tract infections because of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Smoking costs the economy over $150 billion in annual health care costs and lost productivity, including $81.9 Billion in mortality-related productivity losses and $75 billion in excess medical expenditures. Approximately, 420 billion cigarettes were consumed in 2002.

Disparities

African Americans suffer disproportionately from chronic and preventable diseases compared to White Americans. Of the three leading causes of death in African Americans—heart disease, cancer, and stroke—smoking and other tobacco use are major contributors to these illnesses.

• African American men smoke more than White men. (27.7% vs. 25.4%)
• However, the trend is reversed in females, with White women having slightly higher rates than African American women.
• An estimated 45,000 African Americans die from smoking-related diseases yearly.
• African Americans have higher lung cancer incidence and death rates than Whites.
• African American smoke cigarettes that are more harmful.

Source:
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/tobacco/

Facts & Smoking Cessation Resources

American Cancer Society
Tobacco and Cancer

15 Stay Quit Tips

American Lung Associaton
7 Steps to a Smoke-free Life

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tobacco Information and Prevention Source Tips