Current State of United States Tobacco Control Initiatives

Reduction of tobacco use around the world is a high priority. This review will provide the current status of tobacco control with particular focus on progress and initiatives in the United States. Primary literature was retrieved through PubMed and review article reference lists. Reports from government and global oversight organizations including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are the primary sources for data and statistics. Information about the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, clean air laws, and tobacco excise taxes in the United States was also included. Continued progress in tobacco control is critical to reducing the tremendous global morbidity and mortality related to tobacco. Strong policies at all levels are critical to making strides toward eliminating the public health burden of tobacco use. Coordinated global efforts to restrict tobacco are necessary to the successful eradication of tobacco use. The United States has recently made sweeping changes in tobacco control policy and the momentum must be maintained through advocacy and action.