Adult and youth smoking rates have dropped to record lows, but disparities persist among the 36 million adults and 760,000 kids who smoke, according to a new report by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Cigarette smoking remains most prevalent among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, people living in poverty, and those with less education. These groups, along with Black communities, are disproportionately exposed to secondhand smoke. Tobacco use causes nearly 490,000 preventable deaths annually, highlighting the urgent need for stronger measures.
The report advocates for limiting nicotine in tobacco products to non-addictive levels and banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, which disproportionately impact Black, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ populations. Research indicates a menthol ban could prevent up to 654,000 deaths over four decades. However, the Biden administration has delayed finalizing these rules, drawing criticism from public health advocates.
The tobacco industry’s targeted marketing has exacerbated these disparities, spending $8.5 billion annually on advertising—12 times the amount spent on tobacco control efforts. Unequal access to healthcare, education, and smokefree housing also perpetuate smoking disparities.
The report calls for comprehensive measures, including higher tobacco prices, smoke-free air laws, public health education, and resources for quitting, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW or Smokefree.gov. Murthy emphasized the need to eliminate tobacco-related deaths and diseases, urging accelerated action to address these inequities and reduce the harmful impact of tobacco nationwide.
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