· In 2002, approximately 20% of adults and 39% of high school students in Minnesota were current smokers or tobacco users.
· Minnesota smokers shorten their lives by an average of 12.7 years.
· 5,600 Minnesotans die every year from tobacco related disease. One in every 7 deaths in Minnesota is smoking related.
· An estimated 280,000 Minnesota children are exposed to secondhand smoke in their home.
· 13,000 Minnesota children under age 18 become new daily smokers each year.
· By achieving and maintaining the legislatively mandated goal for reducing youth tobacco used by 30%, Minnesota’s long-term return on investment is estimated at:
- 1,700 Minnesotans who will be saved every year from premature death
- $480 million in health care costs that will be saved every year[i].
For more information
Minnesota Department of Health, Tobacco Prevention and Control: Links to information and resources on tobacco related topics.
Minnesota Smoking Cessation Resource Directory: A free comprehensive web-based listing of tobacco cessation resources in Minnesota providing information on current resources available both locally and nationally.
The American Lung Association of Minnesota: Information on tobacco, the effects of smoking and resources to quit smoking.
Minnesota Smoke Free Coalition: Information about the efforts across Minnesota to reduce the harm of tobacco.
QUITPLAN.com: Minnesota's Tobacco Cessation Center (or 1-888-354-PLAN)
