Nationally, the prevalence of smoking among minority populations has decreased over the past 20 years. However, during the 1990s, the rate of increase for African American and Hispanic adolescents has been much greater than for white adolescents. As the rate of smoking has declined for the overall population, tobacco companies have targeted their products more aggressively to African Americans and Hispanics as a way to increase their market share. 15,16 Studies show minority populations in the United States have higher rates of tobacco-related illness than whites. The increased tobacco advertising targeting minority populations combined with higher rates of illness for these same populations needs to be addressed as part of the overall comprehensive tobacco plan for New Jersey.
Tobacco use adversely affects the health of New Jersey's residents.
One out of three smokers will die prematurely, with an average of 12 to 15 years of potential life lost as compared to normal life expectancy. In addition to shortening an individual's life, smoking can also reduce the quality of life. Smokers are more than twice as likely as non-smokers to develop dementia and Alzheimer's diseases. 19 Encouraging adults to seek treatment for smoking can help them to continue functioning at the highest level possible. Quitting smoking has proven health benefits, even at later ages when it can significantly cut the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung disease.