Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults. A Report of the Surgeon General

摘要

Preventing smoking and smokeless tobacco use among young people is critical to ending the epidemic of tobacco use. Since the first Surgeon Generals report on youth in 1994, the basis for concern about smoking during adolescence and young adulthood has expanded beyond the immediate health consequences for the young smoker to a deeper understanding of the implications for health across the life span from early use of tobacco. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, accounting for approximately 443,000 deaths, or about 1 of every 5 deaths, in the United States each year. Since 1994, there have been many legal and scientific developments that have curtailed somewhat the tobacco companies ability to market to young people. The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement eliminated most cigarette billboard and transit advertising, print advertising directed to underage youth, and limited brand sponsorship. In addition, the Master Settlement Agreement resulted in the release of internal tobacco industry documents that have been analyzed by scientists. Furthermore, during this time, the prices of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products also increased. These significant developments, among others, resulted in a sharp decrease in tobacco use among adults and youth. However, this progress has stalled in recent years.