The Challenge

Sweet, Cheap and Everywhere

If you thought the tobacco problem was “solved,” take a closer look: Big Tobacco is seeping into new places, creating new products, and using stealthier advertising to hook the next generation. Their products are sweet, cheap and easy to get — and cost us all, dearly.

The Cost to Oregon

Big Tobacco costs Oregon billions of dollars in medical care and lost wages. Every year, nearly 8,000 people in Oregon die from tobacco-related diseases.

Addiction

Nicotine is highly addictive, as tough to kick as heroin and cocaine. Three out of four high school students who start smoking will continue the addiction as adults.

Hooking Kids and Young Adults

The tobacco industry knows that 90 percent of people who smoke start before they turn 18, so it markets hard to youth. In 2017, 1,400 children and teens in Oregon started smoking.

Targeted Communities

The tobacco industry has been targeting certain populations and communities for years. It markets more in some neighborhoods, steals cultural values and seeks people out online for discounts and ads.

Tobacco Products

In addition to pushing cigarettes, the tobacco industry keeps making new—still harmful—products to addict new customers and hold onto people trying to quit smoking.

The Environment

Cigarettes, filters and butts are our most common source of litter. Vape pens and e-liquids are hazardous waste. Tobacco spoils Oregon’s natural treasures, butt by dirty butt.

Secondhand Smoke

Oregon has strong laws that protect us from secondhand smoke. Still, many people are still breathing it at work and in the community, leading to asthma, other illnesses and death.