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SMOKING AND YOUTH

This fact sheet is for public health officials and others who are interested in information on smoking and other tobacco use by youth. Smoking is dangerous to the health of both young people and older people who have been smoking longer. The chemicals from cigarette smoke damage the human body regardless of age.

Nearly all tobacco use begins during youth and progresses during young adulthood. More than 3,200 children age 18 or younger smoke their first cigarette every day. Nearly 9 out of 10 smokers start before the age of 18 and almost all start smoking by age 26. Every adult who dies early because of smoking is replaced by two new young smokers. If smoking continues at current rates, 5.6 million—or 1 out of every 13—of today’s children will

ultimately die prematurely from a smoking-related illness.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Smoking by youth and young adults can cause serious and potentially deadly health issues immediately and into adulthood. Young people who smoke are in danger of:

Exposure to nicotine can have lasting effects on adolescent brain development. Cigarette smoking also causes children and teens to be short of breath and to have less stamina, both of which can affect athletic performance and other physically active pursuits.

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