Tobacco
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.
- About 1 of every 5 deaths in the country is caused by cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other cancers and stroke.
- Secondhand smoke contains over 50 cancer-causing chemicals.
- Smokeless tobacco causes gum recession, cancer of the mouth, pharynx and esophagus and increases risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Tobacco dependence reduces quality of life, financial status and reduces a person’s ability to afford other necessities.
- Maine spends more than $602 million annually on tobacco-related illness of which more than one third is billed to Maine Care.
The Good News is…
- Almost 80% of Maine residents don’t smoke.
- Maine has tough laws to protect residents and visitors from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
- The Maine Tobacco HelpLine is free to all Maine residents. Call today- 1-800-207-1230
If you are a smoker, consider the benefits of quitting. Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term health benefits. It’s never too late to reverse the effects of smoking!
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