Smoking statistics cite cigarette and cigars as the most common mediums for smoking tobacco. The active ingredient is tobacco is nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Many youth start recreational smoking at a very young age, which can become a lifelong addiction. Young Americans are highly susceptible to tobacco advertising. Health organizations realize that smoking related deaths are entirely preventable and the United State's efforts need to be focused on youth awareness and prevention programs.
Trends
In 1996, the FDA issued regulations that restricted tobacco sales to children and adolescence. These regulations were intended to reduce the number of youth currently smoking. Unfortunately smoking rates among youth have increased since 1992. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 46 percent of students have tried cigarette smoking. Eleven percent of students in grades 9 to 12 have smoked a cigarette before age of 13. A 2009 survey published by the Center for Disease Control indicated that 19 percent of high schools students were currently using cigarettes and 14 percent were using cigars day. The CDC estimates that more than 3,600 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years experiment with smoking each day. Another 1,100 youth become addicted each day.
Significance
Smoking related illnesses are entirely preventable but are still a leading cause of death. According to the CDC, cigarette use accounts for approximately one of every five deaths. Each year 443,000 Americans die from causes related to cigarette smoking. Many individuals started smoking during adolescence and become addicted. The CDC found that with current smokers 51 percent of students unsuccessfully attempted to quit within the last year. According to the 1995 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the current smoking patterns of youth will result in an estimated 5 million premature deaths from infancy to 17 years of age.
Health Risks
Smoking at an early age can lead to respiratory problems. Smoking increases the risk of chronic lung diseases and lung cancer. The longer an individual smokes the higher his health risk. Users also face addiction to nicotine and the increased likelihood of additional drug use. Nicotine addiction, through smoking cigarette, is the most common drug addiction to during adolescence. Youth who start smoking at an early age also increase their risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Common cancers include mouth, pharynx, esophagus and bladder.
Prevention
Health education courses have attempted to increase awareness of the health complications associated with smoking. The FDA and the CDC are attempting to reduce the life-threatening consequences associated with cigarette smoking and decrease the sale of tobacco to minors. Fifteen percent of students younger than the age of 18 continue to illegally purchase cigarettes in stores and gas stations. The CDC estimates the future cost of health care will rise to more than an extra $12,000 per smoker due to smoking related illness while the productivity loss will be well over $98 billion.
Future Goals
The FDA hopes to increase regulations to further prevent youth access to cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. Future goals include reducing the appeal of cigarette smoking through advertising. Eighty-three percent of smokers ages 12 to 17 smoke three of the most commonly advertised brands. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is working with education programs to encourage tobacco free environments. According to the CDC as of 2009, 14 states are enforcing tobacco-free school environments. The CDC urges school health programs to continue to inform youth about the long-term effects of tobacco use. The Office of Smoking and Health is encouraging future programs to focus on smoking cessation for youth as early as possible and treatment for youth already addicted.
