Understanding tobacco use and its impact in Michigan
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EmailTobacco: more than just cigarettes.
Tobacco comes in many different forms, shapes, flavors and sizes. In the United States, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death, claiming over 480,000 lives annually. In Michigan, 15.2% of adults smoke cigarettes, a rate higher than the national average of 13.5%, as of 2022. Additionally, e-cigarette use among Michigan adults stands at 8.4%, exceeding the national rate of 7.6%.
Youth tobacco use is also a significant concern. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS), in 2023, 16.5% of Michigan high school students reported using tobacco, while 13.7% currently use e-cigarettes.
There are numerous types of tobacco products available. MDHHS identifies the following types:
Cigarettes
Cigarettes are rolls of finely cut tobacco wrapped in thin white paper, ready to be smoked.
Cigars, cigarillos and little cigars
- Cigars: Made of tobacco wrapped in tobacco leaves or a substance that contains tobacco.
- Cigarillos: Smaller version of a cigar and may or may not contain a filter.
- Little cigars are small cigars the size of traditional cigarettes and contain a filter.
E-Cigarettes/vapes
Vapes are devices that utilize heat to transform liquid into an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user into their lungs. Vapes are referred to by various names, such as vape pens, tanks, e-cigs, e-hookahs, juuls, mods, tanks, airs, SMOK, Nords, Origins, Morphs, MAG Baby, Riptide, Puff Bar, reefers or electronic delivery systems (ENDS).
Heat-not-burn tobacco products
The tobacco used in traditional cigarettes is burned, but heat-not-burn (HTP) tobacco products create an aerosol that can be inhaled and contains real tobacco, not liquid nicotine as found in vapes. HTP and vape receptacles can look similar but are different.
Hookah
The use of a water pipe or shisha involves passing tobacco smoke through water or distilled alcoholic beverage, like vodka, before inhaling it, which can come in many flavors.
Smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco can be identified by its multiple names, including chewing tobacco, scraping tobacco, spit tobacco, dipping tobacco, dip tobacco, snuff and snus.
- Chewing tobacco is cured tobacco available as loose leaf, plug or twist.
- Dry snuff is usually consumed by sniffing through the nostrils and is made up of finely cut or powdered tobacco.
- Moist snuff and snus, which come in various forms like dip and are consumed through the mouth, are cut tobacco products that are either loose or packed in pouches.
Dissolvable tobacco products
The ingredients used in dissolvable products range from nicotine gel, like Nicospan, to finely ground tobacco that has been pressed into lozenges, sticks, strips or orbs. They can have the appearance of candy or mints and are marketed in a variety of flavors.
Resources for youth, parents/guardians and educators
By increasing awareness and understanding of tobacco products and their risks, individuals can make informed choices about their health and well-being.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages parents, guardians and youth to educate themselves about e-cigarettes and tobacco use. For more information, visit the resources listed below.
Youth resources
Parent and guardian resources
Resources for educators, coaches and school administrators
- Educator Fact Sheet | CDC
- Educator Conversation Card | CDC
- MSU Extension 4-H Health Rocks! substance use prevention education for youth
Visit the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Healthy Youth website to learn more about 4-H healthy living programs for youth and related articles, including:
