Over the past few decades, tobacco use among young people has been
declining. However, far too many young people still use tobacco products,
especially for vaping. In the United States, more than 3 million middle and
high school students are using tobacco. And, every day, more than 1,100
high school students try tobacco for the first time.
Approximately 480,000 people die each year from their own cigarette
smoking/vaping or exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition, more than
16 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from smoking-caused illness.
For each of those deaths, at least two young adults become regular
smokers. Almost 90 percent of those replacement smokers smoke or vape
their first cigarette by age 18.
Source: U.S. Surgeon General; Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
