ABSTRACT
Presented in this chapter are the health impacts and attendant policies on the uses of tobacco products. A précis history of humankind’s use of tobacco commences the chapter, followed by the prevalence of use of tobacco products in the U.S. and globally. U.S. federal, state, and local policies on tobacco products are described, followed by global policies in the EU and China. Tobacco products covered in the chapter include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and varieties of smokeless tobacco. Data are presented from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) who report the grim statistics on mortality and morbidity caused by tobacco use. As observed by WHO, 50% of tobacco users will die from their use. Particular attention is given in the chapter to the emerging use of electronic cigarettes by young persons and the projected adverse health consequences. Also given special description is the U.S. Tobacco Control Act of 2009.
