Tobacco Use Is the #1 Cause of Preventable Disease and Death
Despite decades of progress, this battle is far from over. The tobacco industry still relentlessly peddles its harmful and addictive products
7 MILLION+
10 YEARS
$1.85 TRILLION
Tobacco use usually begins during childhood. Most people who use tobacco start and become addicted during adolescence. Tobacco companies know this and design and market products to appeal to kids. About two million U.S. youth and an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 worldwide use some form of tobacco.
Tobacco use worsens health disparities. It causes the greatest harm to the most vulnerable populations and countries. In the U.S., there are persistent disparities in tobacco use by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography, sexual orientation and other factors. Globally, the burden of tobacco use is greatest in low- and middle-income countries heavily targeted by the tobacco industry.
The Human Cost of Tobacco
Tobacco use is a major driver of chronic disease, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease and diabetes, and it imposes enormous health and financial burden on individuals, families, communities and countries. Learn more about the toll of tobacco.
The Cause of the Problem
Tobacco’s terrible toll is no accident. It is a direct result of the tobacco industry’s harmful products and practices. The industry spends billions to market its dangerous and addictive products, fights proven solutions to reduce tobacco use, and constantly introduces new products to hook new generations of customers.
From Problem to Progress
For 30 years, we’ve taken on Big Tobacco to protect kids and save lives. By championing proven policies, we’ve helped drive U.S. smoking to record lows and save over 35 million lives globally. We are committed to ending the death and disease caused by tobacco and creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Last updated July 5, 2026