What is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States?

Tobacco use is recognized as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States due to its well-established association with a variety of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many other cancers. The harmful effects of tobacco are compounded by the fact that it is widely used, and exposure to secondhand smoke also poses significant health risks to non-smokers.

Efforts to reduce tobacco use through public health campaigns, smoking bans, and cessation programs have shown a positive impact on decreasing related mortality rates. The extent to which tobacco use impacts public health has led to its classification as a critical area for intervention to prevent death and disease.

While other factors such as alcohol consumption, obesity, and drug overdoses contribute significantly to mortality, they do not surpass the number of deaths attributed to tobacco use, making it the primary focus of prevention efforts aimed at reducing preventable death in the population.