Tobacco
Targets Youth

Tobacco is the number one killer in the United States. About 480,000 people die each year from tobacco-caused illnesses. Almost 90% of smokers started the habit before the age of 18.

The tobacco and vape industry spends more than $25 million dollars per day marketing their products. The tobacco and vape industry knows that if a person does not start using nicotine before they are 24, they will likely never smoke or vape. So, the tobacco and vape companies target young people online through social media, in retail stores like gas stations and convenience stores, and in the community at bars and nightclubs.

Youth have long been an important part of fighting the tobacco industry. UpRISE continues this long tradition, by amplifying the voices of Colorado youth to create health equity.