Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death and disease in New Jersey. Smoking increases the risk for chronic lung disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke, as well as cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth, and bladder. In addition, smoking contributes to cancer of the cervix, pancreas, and kidneys. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk for heart disease and lung cancer among nonsmokers.

A major goal of the DOH is to decrease deaths, sickness, and disability among New Jersey residents who use tobacco or are exposed to secondhand smoke. The DOH Office of Tobacco Control, Nutrition, and Fitness (OTCNF) and its partners implement comprehensive programs to prevent the initiation of tobacco use among young people, to help tobacco users quit, to eliminate nonsmokers' exposure to secondhand smoke, and to reduce tobacco-related health disparities. These programs include free quitting services, school- and community-based prevention programs, and education regarding the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act.

Final Assessment

Targets were achieved for cigarette smoking among adults and high school students.

Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco) among high school students declined but the target was not achieved.

Due to insufficient data, accomplishment of the target for middle school students can not be determined.

Exposure to secondhand smoke among nonsmoker high school students increased.

For more information, please refer to these resources:

• NJ Quitline
• Mom's Quit Connection
• New Jersey Tobacco Regulations
• CDC Office on Smoking and Health
• E-Cigarettes
• Healthy People 2020