Prohibiting Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars
FDA plan will protect kids, advance health equity and save lives, especially among Black Americans
For more than 25 years, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has led the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world.
Our work has contributed to enormous progress. Since 1996, the U.S. has reduced youth smoking by 89 percent and adult smoking by 49 percent, and about 200 million Americans – over 60% of the U.S. population – are now protected from harmful secondhand smoke.
But tobacco use is still the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the U.S. It kills more than 480,000 Americans and costs the nation over $241 billion in health care bills each year. Altogether, 16.5% of high school students and 19% of adults still use some form of tobacco. Youth e-cigarette use remains a serious public health problem, with 14.1% of high school students reporting current e-cigarette use.
Our progress shows that we can win the fight against tobacco and create the first tobacco-free generation – but only if we act fast to end the youth e-cigarette epidemic and elected leaders fully implement proven strategies that reduce tobacco use and save lives.
In the U.S., the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids works at the national, state and local levels to put these solutions in place.
Toll of Tobacco in the U.S.
480,000+: Annual tobacco-related deaths in U.S.
$241+ billion:Annual tobacco-related health care costs in U.S.
12.5%: Adults who smoke cigarettes
2.0%: High school students who smoke cigarettes
14.1%: High school students who use e-cigarettes
Learn more about the Toll of Tobacco in the U.S. and each state
FEDERAL ISSUES
Congress and the Administration must provide strong leadership in the fight against tobacco use. This includes supporting effective FDA regulation of all tobacco products and fully funding the CDC’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
STATE AND LOCAL ISSUES
Tobacco takes a huge toll in health, lives and dollars in every state. State and local governments can reduce tobacco use, save lives and save money by implementing proven solutions.
