Tobacco

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. Nearly 40 million U.S. adults still smoke cigarettes, and about 4.7 million middle and high school students use at least one tobacco product, including e-cigarettes.

Our RNA identifies a massive step in limiting youth access to tobacco was through the passing of the T21 state bill. Through T21, Texas-raised the tobacco sales age to 21 to limit youth access. During this period, the state did not see a decrease in individuals who smoked before age 13 and it is likely a result of the popularization of e-cigarette products. 41.2% of students in Region 10 have reported using nicotine products, like e-cigarettes, at least at one point in their lifetime.