Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. It directly affects American workplaces by increasing insurance premiums and absenteeism and decreasing productivity. Employers are always looking for ways to increase productivity and cut costs; tobacco cessation is one of the most cost-effective preventative health measures an organization can implement to impact the bottom line.
Tobacco use can cause:
Tobacco use has decreased significantly in the last 40 years; more than 40% of adults used tobacco in 1965 with rates now down to 21% in 2010. Unfortunately, among adults, rates have remained steady for the last several years.
Fortunately, the health risks and costs associated with tobacco use are preventable. Individuals who quit can reduce their risk of adverse health effects. Evidence based cessation assistance coverage and tobacco-free policies are effective strategies to help people quit and protect individuals from secondhand smoke. Access to resources and maintaining an environment that is conducive to quitting are necessary to protect individuals from the harmful effects of tobacco.