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 strong association with various health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The detrimental effects of smoking are well-documented, with studies indicating that it significantly increases the risk of these life-threatening conditions. Efforts to reduce smoking rates, such as public health campaigns and restrictions on tobacco advertising, have been implemented to address this critical health concern.

While other factors like alcohol abuse and obesity contribute to significant health risks and are prevalent issues, their impact on mortality rates does not surpass that of tobacco. Similarly, although traffic accidents pose a significant public safety issue, they primarily affect a different set of circumstances unrelated to long-term health outcomes in the same way that tobacco does. Understanding the overwhelming evidence surrounding tobacco's harmful effects helps clarify why it is prioritized as a major public health focus and is seen as the leading cause of preventable death.