Tobacco
Tobacco is deadly, and the earlier someone starts using it, the greater the risk of serious, life-long health consequences. But the impact doesn’t stop with the individual—youth tobacco use affects families, schools, and communities, creating ripple effects that touch everyone around them.
Hear about the harms of smoking from Terrie, who shared her powerful story as a part of the CDC’s “Tips From Former Smokers” campaign.
12.7
is the average age
Texas kids first try tobacco
18%
of 7th—12th graders in Texas
have tried some type of tobacco
1 in 12
Texas students have used
tobacco in the past month
18%
of Texas 7th—12th graders
say tobacco is easy to get
Nicotine acts as a gateway drug on the brain, and this effect is likely to occur whether the exposure is from smoking tobacco, passive tobacco smoke, or e-cigarettes.
— Researchers Denise Kandel and Eric Kandel
