Smoking accounts for more than __ deaths every year in the United States. Multiple Choice 400,000 553,000 500,000 480,000
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: 480,000
Explanation (Approx. 300 Words):
Smoking is a major public health issue in the United States and worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking accounts for more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. This figure includes deaths caused by both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. The diseases caused by smoking include:
- Lung cancer – Smoking is responsible for about 80%–90% of lung cancer deaths.
- Heart disease – Smoking significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – A large portion of COPD cases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are caused by smoking.
- Other cancers – Including throat, mouth, bladder, pancreas, kidney, and cervical cancers.
The 480,000 deaths annually also include more than 41,000 deaths from secondhand smoke exposure, which shows that even non-smokers are at risk if they are regularly exposed to environments with cigarette smoke.
This number translates to approximately 1 in 5 deaths each year in the U.S. being linked to smoking. Beyond mortality, smoking causes significant health problems and contributes to millions of cases of illness, leading to a large burden on the healthcare system and the economy.
The U.S. government and public health organizations continue to implement smoking cessation programs, anti-smoking campaigns, and regulations (such as banning smoking in public places) to reduce tobacco use and its associated health risks.
In summary, 480,000 is the correct figure representing the devastating impact of smoking-related deaths in the United States each year.