The Problem of Tobacco Use in the United States Essay

Introduction

Tobacco use remains a major challenge in the United States. Smoking is one of the risk factors for lung cancer and premature death. Young individuals view the misbehavior as a ritual to adulthood. This paper seeks to analyze the issue of tobacco regulation and how some of the existing policies have not achieved desirable outcomes. Although the number of people using nicotine products has reduced, tobacco use continues to affect many direct and passive smokers. This analysis presents better policy alternatives that can improve cigarette regulation. The targeted level of policy is that of public health. With more people suffering from the dangers of cigarettes, the policy agenda will transform the situation and ensure more communities lead quality lives. The topic will address this epidemic, minimize deaths caused by smoking, and ensure adequate funds are available for various economic activities. The policy analysis is intended to address these questions:

• What gains are attributable to current tobacco use policies?
• What challenges affect the success of such laws?
• What alternatives can be considered to improve how tobacco is regulated?The Problem of Tobacco Use in the United States Essay

Background

Cigarette use has reduced significantly from the 1970s in the United States (Hajek, 2014). The percentage of deaths caused by smoking such as lung cancer has also declined. However, over 20 percent of adults in America still embraces the malpractice (See Table 1). Similarly, young people are embracing malpractice despite the challenges arising from cigarette use (Britton, 2017). Passive smoking affects the health positions of many citizens. Experts argue that smoking will continue to claim more lives unless something is done. The current policy aimed at addressing the predicament in the country focuses on taxation, banning advertisements, and smoke-free regulations.The Problem of Tobacco Use in the United States Essay