Adolescent Smoking: A Lethal Addiction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that in 2006, 2.6 million adolescents were current cigarette smokers. A critical objective for Healthy People 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of cigarette smoking among high school students. Because most adults who are regular smokers began smoking in adolescence, a focus on the prevention of teen smoking is critical. As the leading cause of preventable death, smoking is a lethal addiction.