Tobacco and poverty: A vicious circle

Together, tobacco and poverty create a devastating scenario. Tobacco use tends to be higher among the poor in most countries, including the United States. Poor families, in turn, spend a larger proportion of their income on tobacco. Money spent on tobacco is money not spent on basic human needs.

World No Tobacco Day is sponsored by the World Health Organization every year on May 31. Its purpose is to call attention to the serious impact of tobacco use on health. The theme for this year's day is "Tobacco and Poverty: A Vicious Circle." The health-damaging effects of tobacco use and exposure to...