Tobacco use contributes to an extensive list of serious diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, multiple cancers, emphysema, and bronchitis; and second-hand smoke contributes to pediatric illness. In addition to this enormous health burden, smoking also imposes a major economic burden on society, costing the United States more than $300 billion each year, including
- Nearly $170 billion for direct medical care of adults
- More than $156 billion from lost productivity (e.g., increased use of sick leave, etc.) due to premature death.