The average age of first use of cigarettes is 14.5 years and has been steadily decreasing. The addiction of our nation's youth to tobacco has remarkable effects.
Tobacco use is the number one cause of premature morbidity and mortality in our society.
Licensing and monitoring tobacco retailers decreases youth access. Many tobacco control and public health advocates favor raising the legal age for the sale of tobacco from 18 to 21 in all states. Teachers, coaches, professional athletes and health professionals all are critical role models for youth and adults. Public health departments, universities and the health professions are critical partners. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that if youth tobacco use continues to increase, approximately five million persons now age 17 or under will die prematurely of a tobacco-attributable disease.