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DrugScreening.org


 
CDC Tallies Health Costs of Smoking
September 8, 2003

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Research Summary

The devastating health impact of smoking can be seen in millions of cases of bronchitis, emphysema, and other illnesses affecting Americas, according to a report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Reuters reported Sept. 4 that the CDC estimates that at least 8.6 million Americans have serious smoking-related lung diseases, including the 440,000 who die annually from lung cancer.

Chronic bronchitis is the most prevalent illness, CDC said.

Researchers said that the self-reported survey probably understates the health problems of the U.S.'s 46.5 million smokers. "Many smokers are in some degree of denial, so we know that this is an underestimate," said Terry Pechacek.

Smoking costs the nation an estimated $75 billion annually in direct medical expenses and $82 billion in lost productivity, CDC said.

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