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Tobacco Use Facts

Tobacco Use Facts

The facts about youth tobacco use.

Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths. In Michigan, 16,200 smokers die every year. There is ample evidence that tobacco use shortens life expectancy; on average, smokers die 10 years sooner than non-smokers.

Since people who start smoking in adolescence are more likely to develop nicotine dependence and have difficulty quitting, youth tobacco use is likely to become adult tobacco use — and adult health problems. Smoking has a harmful effect on nearly every organ in the body. This is why preventing youth tobacco use is so important.  

The rate of youth tobacco use had been declining until the advent of vaping and e-cigarette products, which caused an upward spike. Currently, Michigan has a higher rate of youth commercial tobacco use than the rest of the country.

Mental health and tobacco use

Rates of tobacco use are higher among students experiencing psychological distress and mental health issues. Students from lower-income households and students from marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ youth, also had higher rates of tobacco use.

 

Tobacco Fact

Dangers of vaping

There have been thousands of reports of serious lung illnesses and dozens of deaths associated with vaping. Many of the vaping products involved in these cases contained THC, the main psychotropic ingredient in marijuana. Another substance of concern is a thickening agent used in some e-cigarette or vaping products called Vitamin E acetate.

Pending further investigation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given these recommendations:

  • Do not use vaping products that contain THC
  • Do not use vaping products — particularly those containing THC — obtained off the street or from other illicit or social sources.
  • Do not use vaping or e-cigarette products containing Vitamin E acetate
  • Do not modify or add any substances to vaping products, including those purchased through retail establishments.