Tobacco

Tobacco is associated with six of the top 10 leading causes of death including cancer, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and influenza/pneumonia.

Some of these diseases and conditions are more common in certain groups in Washington State including African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, lesbian, gay or bisexual adults, and adults from lower income households. These groups also have disproportionately high rates of tobacco use.

The burden of cigarette smoking deaths in Washington, including those connected to secondhand smoke exposure and burns, is close to 8,700 each year.