State Data Highlights
2006
Document Abstract
Although smoking rates have declined over the years, more than one in five Americans smoke.
In 2004, this included about 21 percent of adults and more than 22 percent of high school students.
Consequently, smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the United States.
Each year, an estimated 438,000 Americans die as a result of smoking or exposure to secondhand
smoke, and for each person who dies from a smoking-related disease, about 20 more are living with
a smoking-attributable illness. The estimated costs of smoking-related medical expenses and loss of
productivity exceed $167 billion annually.
The evidence indicates that we have the ability to reduce the health and economic burdens of
tobacco use by funding and implementing strategies proven effective in four goal areas identified by
the National Tobacco Control Program.
- Promote cessation among people of all ages
- Prevent initiation and tobacco use among adolescents
- Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke
- Identify disparities related to tobacco use and its effects among different population groups
However, current state funding levels for tobacco prevention and control are vastly inadequate to
support effective and sustained efforts.
Sustaining State Programs for Tobacco Control: Data Highlights 2006 is a data resource developed by CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health to
help state tobacco control programs and partners emphasize the importance of a comprehensive tobacco
control program. This resource provides surveillance data as of 2004 for the four goal areas described
above, a broad range of measures that reflect the health and associated economic impact of tobacco use,
and samples of how to interpret and cite these data for the public, press, and decision makers.
Page last updated 02/28/2007
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