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Tobacco use

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Given current use patterns, it is projected to kill about 1 billion people in the 21st century. Although smoking has declined in many high-income countries, tobacco consumption is rising in many lower income countries. Currently, more than 80% of the world’s smokers live in low- and middle-income countries. Most smokers begin smoking when they are children, and kids are starting to experiment with tobacco at an earlier age. Tobacco companies are heavily marketing a wide range of new products, such as e-cigarettes, snus, lozenges, tablets, pellets, and other dissolvable products.

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Economic consequences

Look into the costs associated with tobacco consumption outside the health care system. Lost productivity, absenteeism, and more impact our economy.

Health consequences

Explore the health impacts of tobacco consumption from lung cancer, to emphysema, to cardiovascular disease and beyond.

Healthcare costs

Discover the costs of providing health care to people suffering from tobacco-related illnesses.

Prevalence and consumption

Learn more about how many people use tobacco, who they are, and what their use patterns are.

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