In 1979, the US public health service called smoking "the largest single preventable cause of illness and premature death in the United States." Tobacco is the only legal product in the US that, when used correctly, kills one out of every four of those who use it. Tobacco is responsible for the death of over 450,000 Americans per year—more than all who die from AIDS, illicit drugs, fires, car crashes, and homicides combined.

Tobacco leads to a variety of painful and terminal illnesses. The greatest number of smoking-related deaths are from heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Two of the more frightening diseases associated with smoking are emphysema and Buerger's disease.

Even if tobacco doesn't kill you outright, some of the non-lethal effects are just as bad. It weakens the bones and is a risk factor for back pain; it causes impotence and premature menopause; it accelerates hair graying, skin wrinkling, loss of vision, and decreased physical capacity. Cancer treatment can be painful and disfiguring; a heart attack or stroke can leave you disabled.

You have a great deal to gain by kicking the habit: longer life, more energy, fewer medical expenses—and the air is fresher, breathing is easier, food is more flavorful and money goes farther. You smell better, and so do the flowers.

Updated January 2009.