Tobacco Facts
The dangers of tobacco use are widely known throughout the U.S. and yet tobacco use remains too high, especially in younger populations and communities of color. We believe part of this problem lies with the current conversation regarding tobacco. The health impacts have been discussed at length, but people rarely talk about how the industry markets its products and the resulting toll on health, finances, community, and family.
At Feeling Good MN we believe that you and your family deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions about tobacco use, which is why we have created the following pages discussing important facts about tobacco:
Tobacco Use in Minnesota
Adult Tobacco Use
Tobacco cessation programming and tobacco prevention programming throughout the state is vital to reducing tobacco use.
Adult Tobacco Use in MN:
- Adults in Minnesota who smoke: 14.4% (643,200)
- Adult smoking rate (Nationally): 15.1%
Minnesota’s smoking rate has fallen to 14.4%, a 35% reduction in smoking since 1999 and the lowest smoking rate ever recorded in the state.
Youth Tobacco Use
Nearly 95% of addicted smokers start by the time they turn 21. Young people are aggressively targeted by Big Tobacco to become addicted. The tobacco industry targets young people with fruit, candy, and menthol flavoring, plus advertising, product design, and packaging, and event sponsorship and promotions.
- Minnesota high school students who smoke: 10.6% (30,100)
- Minnesota high school students who use e-cigarettes: 12.9%
- Minnesota kids (<18) who become new daily smokers each year: 2,500
Youth Tobacco Fast Facts
- 77,000 Kids in MN are current tobacco users
- 50% of MN teen smokers have tried to quit
- 80% of teen smokers become adult smokers despite intending to quit after a few years
- Ultimately, 118,000 of today’s Minnesota kids will die from smoking
- Flavored tobacco products mask the harshness of tobacco making it easier to start using
- Youth are more likely to use tobacco products if they are flavored and if youth are frequently exposed to tobacco ads, including in stores.
- The adolescent brain is negatively impacted by nicotine, and its long-term effects are a significant public health concern.
