The use of tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death and disease. Smoking causes 440,000 premature deaths in the U.S during 1995-1999 according to the U.S Department Of Health and Human Services. Smoking can cause chronic lung disease, and coronary heart disease. It also contributes to cancer of the cervix, pancreas, and kidneys. .
About 70% of 46.5 million American adults who smoke cigarettes want to quit, but hardly any are able to quit permanently without help. Approxomitly 80% .
The Cost of Tobacco Use.
Tobacco companies are estimated to gross $75 billion per year.
Smoking costs estimated $80 billion per year in lost productivity.
Each of the 22 billion packs of cigarettes sold in the U.S in 1999 cost the nation an estimated $7.18 billion in medical cost.
Tobacco Control Programs.
Many different types of programs to tackle specific tobacco problems.
Community programs to reduce tobacco use.
School programs.
Statewide programs.
These programs are supported by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services.
How Tobacco Control Saves Money.
California estimated saving 8.4 billion.
Or every $1 spent on the program between 1990-1998, an estimated 3.62 billion in direct medical cost was avoided.
Helping a smoker quit .
Will cost $ 0.89-$4.92 per smoker.
Whereas treating smoke related illness will cost $6.00-$33.00 per smoker.
Conclusion, If these tobacco control strategies are successful, will reduce the percentage of the U.S population who smoke to 12% of adults and 16% of adolescents.
Meeting these goals will prevent more than 4 million deaths that would occur due to tobacco related diseases.