Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 430,700 American lives each year. Smoking costs the United States approximately $97.2 billion each year in healthcare costs and lost productivity. It is directly responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer cases and causes most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Secondhand smoke is a serious public health crisis in the United States. The American Lung Association believes that every person has the right to breathe air that is not harmful to their health. It is extremely important that people take responsibility for protecting themselves and their families from secondhand smoke. The current Surgeon General’s Report concluded that scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
One of the most important things you can do to improve your health is to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is not easy, but the American Lung Association can help you succeed. Your body will begin receiving benefits from the moment you stop smoking. The American Lung Association’s premiere smoking cessation program, FREEDOM FROM SMOKING®, is available in both face-to-face and online settings. For more information on this program and other American Lung Association smoking cessation programs, click here.
The American Lung Association is a leader in advocating for increased tobacco control. Together with our volunteers, eAdvocates and partners, we are working toward reducing the burden that tobacco has on the United States. We promote smokefree laws, tobacco tax increases and increased levels of tobacco control funding. To learn more about how you can join the American Lung Association and advocate for tougher tobacco control, click here. The American Lung Association publishes the State of Tobacco Control Report each year, which grades states on their tobacco control efforts. Click here to see this year’s report.
