Since 1975, cigarettes have consistently been the substance used by the greatest number of high school students on a daily basis. But, lifetime – any use during a lifetime – and daily use leveled off in among all grades. And, a decrease has been documented among eighth graders.
Approximately 18 percent of teens aged 12 to 17 are current smokers, while 28 percent of all Americans (ages 12 and older) are current smokers. It is estimated that each day in the United States, nearly 5,000 people under age 18 will try their first cigarette. Almost 2,000 of these will become regular smokers. About one-third of these smokers will die from smoking-related illnesses.
The impact of nicotine addiction in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic costs to society is staggering. Tobacco kills more than 430,000 U.S. citizens annually – more than alcohol, cocaine, heroin, homicide, suicide, car accidents, fire, and AIDS combined.
Tobacco addiction has been linked with a number of health-compromising activities, including:
- Being involved in fights
- Carrying weapons
- Engaging in high-risk sexual behavior
- Drinking heavily
- Using illicit drugs
Regulations Limit Access
The Food and Drug Administration has issued regulations to limit the appeal and accessibility of tobacco products to young people. These include:
- Regulations on advertisement style and placement
- Limitations on sponsorships
- Requiring anyone under age 27 to show photo-identification
- Restrictions in packaging and vending machine placement
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