It is directly responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer cases and causes most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over half of all Maine middle-school children have tried smoking. 1 in 4 middle school boys have tried chewing tobacco. One third of high school students who smoke have already tried to quit and are unable to. Tobacco is a serious addiction, greater than heroin, according to Surgeon General reports and independent research.
Many people quit smoking with help from printed materials.
Others need additional help from products like the nicotine patch, gum or spray. Tobacco smoke spreads quickly even if a person doesn't sit next to it. The American Lung Association of Maine has helped pass a number of laws that protect Maine citizens from second hand smoke in public places. The American Lung Association of Maine supports a comprehensive approach to tobacco prevention and control. No single approach, for example, a media campaign, is effective in reducing the number of young smokers.