Cigarette smoking causes 440,000 deaths annually and results in $193 billion in health-related economic losses each year. There is overwhelming and conclusive biologic, epidemiologic, behavioral, and pharmacologic evidence that demonstrates the deadly health effects of tobacco use. Millions of Americans who smoke have resorted to e-cigarettes to avoid these health concerns. Individuals who have never used tobacco, such as youth and young adults, have also embraced this new product. In light of the recent national outbreak of smoking-related lung injury, many are concerned that e-cigarettes contain possibly toxic substances.
Our publications synthesize and discuss the most current evidence and information on traditional tobacco use and e-cigarettes. These reports critically assess the state of the emerging evidence, highlight opportunities for further health-related research, and inform decision making.
Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes
Millions of Americans use e-cigarettes. Despite their popularity, little is known about their health effects. Some suggest that e-cigarettes likely confer lower risk compared to combustible tobacco cigarettes, because they do not expose users to …
Public Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age of Legal Access to Tobacco Products
Tobacco use by adolescents and young adults poses serious concerns. Nearly all adults who have ever smoked daily first tried a cigarette before 26 years of age. Current cigarette use among adults is highest among persons aged 21 to 25 years. The …
Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects: Making Sense of the Evidence
Data suggest that exposure to secondhand smoke can result in heart disease in nonsmoking adults. Recently, progress has been made in reducing involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke through legislation banning smoking in workplaces, restaurants, …
Tobacco use has declined because of measures such as high taxes on tobacco products and bans on advertising, but worldwide there are still more than one billion people who regularly use tobacco, including many who purchase products illicitly. By …
Assessing the Use of Agent-Based Models for Tobacco Regulation
Tobacco consumption continues to be the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the manufacture, distribution, and marketing of tobacco products – specifically …
Scientific Standards for Studies on Modified Risk Tobacco Products
Smoking-related diseases kill more Americans than alcohol, illegal drugs, murder and suicide combined. The passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 gave the FDA authority to regulate “modified risk tobacco …
Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation
The nation has made tremendous progress in reducing tobacco use during the past 40 years. Despite extensive knowledge about successful interventions, however, approximately one-quarter of American adults still smoke. Tobacco-related illnesses and …
Combating Tobacco Use in Military and Veteran Populations
The health and economic costs of tobacco use in military and veteran populations are high. In 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) requested that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) make recommendations on …