Tobacco Health Risks

Smoking and tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability. More Americans die from smoking-related illnesses than from drug overdoses, car accidents, suicides, and homicides combined. Tobacco use is linked to cancers affecting all organs of the human body, including lung and oral cancers. Tobacco use can cause or worsen respiratory illness, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.

What you should do

  • If you smoke cigarettes, vape nicotine, or use other tobacco, quit. Every try counts. Keep trying. Free help is available. MORE
  • Work in your local community to pass and support policies that prevent youth tobacco use. MORE
  • Help prevent teen tobacco use. All teens are at risk. Educate kids and teens about the severe health risks and dangers of tobacco use, including vaping. MORE
  • Promote and protect smoke-free and tobacco-free living wherever people live, learn, work, and play. MORE
  • Know how the tobacco industry targets teens. Learn how your community can stop them. MORE

What Insurance providers must do

  • Provide tobacco cessation coverage. more
     

What healthcare providers should do