Focus On
Tobacco
Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of illness and death in America today. The Healthy People 2020 national health target is to reduce the proportion of adults aged 18 years and older who smoke cigarettes to 12%.
Percent of births Where Mother Smoked During Pregnancy
State: Kansas
(Compared to U.S. Value)
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Tobacco use causes premature death for almost half a million Americans each year, and it contributes to profound disability and pain for many others. Approximately one-third of all tobacco users in this country will die prematurely because of their dependence on tobacco. Areas with a high smoking prevalence will also have greater exposure to secondhand smoke for non-smokers, which can cause or exacerbate a wide range of adverse health effects, including cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections and asthma. A direct association between secondhand smoke and lower respiratory disease has been documented by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease (CLRD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States but the third leading cause of death in Kansas. CLRD comprises three major diseases: chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor for chronic bronchitis and emphysema, accounting for about 80% of cases. Cigarette smokers are 10 times more likely to die from these diseases than nonsmokers. Smoking cessation in the single most effective way to reduce the risk of CLRD and its progression.