The misuse of alcoholic beverages, which is defined as the use of even small amounts of alcohol at inappropriate times, is associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Unlike with alcohol, no important overall health benefits have been established for tobacco product use at any dosage. Any possible health benefit related to smoking involves the alleviation or prevention of diseases that are uncommon or are rarely fatal. Certain health risks may also be increased even with light use of cigarettes. The use of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, as well as smokeless tobacco, poses different health risks.
Tobacco smoke puts others at risk through environmental exposure.
Use of tobacco products, and the use, misuse, and abuse of alcoholic beverages pose higher risks to special populations, in particular the elderly, children, and adolescents.