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2000 Surgeon General's Report—Reducing Tobacco Use

A Call for Action

Disclaimer

If the recommendations in this report were fully implemented, the Healthy People 2010 objectives related to tobacco use could be met, including cutting in half the rates of tobacco use among young people and adults.

–David Satcher, MD, PhD, U.S. Surgeon General

Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. Each year, more than 400,000 Americans die too young because of smoking-related diseases. Today, nearly one in four U.S. adults and one in three teenagers smoke. Tragically, if current trends continue, an estimated 25 million people (including 5 million of today’s children) will die prematurely of a smoking-related disease. A major challenge to our nation’s public health leaders and policy makers in the new millennium is to provide the support and resources necessary to carry out tobacco control programs that work.

The Surgeon General’s report on Reducing Tobacco Use will give the nation a blueprint for preventing tobacco use and improving our citizens’ quality of life. Each type of activity described in this report—educational, clinical, regulatory, economic, and comprehensive—has proven to be effective. Although our knowledge about tobacco control remains imperfect, we already know more than enough to take action now. If we start today, we can greatly ease the future burden of tobacco-related disease and death in our country.

Educational Interventions

Clinical Interventions

Regulatory Interventions

Economic Interventions

Raise tobacco prices to Healthy People 2010 target levels by increasing the average federal and state tax on tobacco products to $2.00 for both cigarettes and spit tobacco products. Research shows that increasing the price of tobacco products would decrease the prevalence of tobacco use, particularly among minors and young adults. However, both the average price of cigarettes and the average cigarette excise tax in this country are well below those in most other industrialized countries, and the taxes on smokeless tobacco products are well below those on cigarettes.

Comprehensive Interventions

Disclaimer: Data and findings provided on this page reflect the content of this particular Surgeon General's Report. More recent information may exist elsewhere on the Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site (for example, in fact sheets, frequently asked questions, or other materials that are reviewed on a regular basis and updated accordingly).

 

Page last updated August 9, 2000