Cigarettes & Tobacco: Frequently Asked Questions
How many smokers die each year because of their habit?
Nearly 430,000 Americans die every year from smoking-related diseases. Smoking causes one in five U.S. deaths. In addition, smoking costs the U.S. economy at least $100 billion in annual health care expenses and lost productivity.
Why are cigarettes so bad for you?
Cigarettes contain at least 63 different carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly 87% of lung cancer cases. Tobacco is also responsible for the majority of emphysema and chronic bronchitis cases and is a major factor in coronary heart disease and stroke.
How many people smoke cigarettes?
According to the American Lung Association, an estimated 47.2 million American adults (nearly 25%) use tobacco products. The World Health Organization estimates that globally, there are over 1 billion smokers, which is equivalent to one-third of the world's population. The cigarette companies have developed a loyal and lucrative market.
Which age group smokes the most?
Nearly 28% of those between the ages of 18 and 24 smoke.
How many people quit smoking every year?
Approximately 70% of smokers want to quit, and nearly 34% try to stop each year. Only 2.5% succeed! Tobacco is very addictive.
How strong is the connection between lung cancer and smoking?
Nearly 87% of lung cancer cases are related to smoking.
What is second-hand smoke?
Second-hand smoke includes smoke exhaled by a smoker, as well as smoke that originates from a burning cigarette or cigar. Second-hand smoke can cause respiratory problems and cancer.
How dangerous is second-hand smoke?
Second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 different chemicals, 63 of which are carcinogens. Second-hand smoke causes 3,000 non-smoker lung cancer deaths every year.
How popular are cigars?
Cigar smoking increased dramatically during the 1990s.
If cigar smokers don't inhale, are they still at risk of developing cancer?
Yes, although the risks are lower than with cigarette smoking. However, cigar smokers are significantly more likely than nonsmokers to develop esophageal cancer, oral cancer and laryngeal cancer. Cigar smokers are also more at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease.
How popular are other tobacco products?
Approximately 6.8% of American adults smoke pipes, 23% chew tobacco and 36.3% use snuff or "dip."
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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