The use of _____ is the number one preventable cause of death in the US according to the CDC.

The use of _____ is the number one preventable cause of death in the US according to the CDC.

• A. Heroin
• B. Tobacco
• C. Alcohol
• D. Prescription drugs

Answer: (B)

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking and other tobacco products lead to a broad range of deadly diseases—most notably heart disease, stroke, and several cancers (like lung, throat, and others)—and they also cause chronic lung diseases such as COPD. The risk increases with exposure, and even secondhand smoke raises the chances of death for non-smokers who are around tobacco users. Because tobacco affects so many people and causes so many different fatal illnesses, it results in more deaths each year than other common preventable risks like alcohol misuse, heroin, or prescription drug overdoses. Quitting smoking lowers risk quickly and continues to improve health over time, which is why reducing tobacco use is a central public health goal.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Smoking and other tobacco products lead to a broad range of deadly diseases—most notably heart disease, stroke, and several cancers (like lung, throat, and others)—and they also cause chronic lung diseases such as COPD. The risk increases with exposure, and even secondhand smoke raises the chances of death for non-smokers who are around tobacco users. Because tobacco affects so many people and causes so many different fatal illnesses, it results in more deaths each year than other common preventable risks like alcohol misuse, heroin, or prescription drug overdoses. Quitting smoking lowers risk quickly and continues to improve health over time, which is why reducing tobacco use is a central public health goal.