Tobacco use, particularly cigarette smoking, is the single
most preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking
alone is directly responsible for approximately 30 percent of all cancer deaths
annually in the United
States. Cigarette smoking also causes
chronic lung disease (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), cardiovascular
disease, stroke, and cataracts. Smoking during pregnancy can cause stillbirth,
low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and other serious
pregnancy complications. Quitting smoking greatly reduces a person’s risk of
developing the diseases mentioned, and can limit adverse health effects on the
developing child.
