Which substance is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States?

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States due to its well-documented association with a range of serious health issues. Smoking tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, particularly lung cancer, as well as heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations highlight that tobacco use is linked to approximately 480,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone.

While alcohol and drug overdoses are also major public health concerns and contribute to significant mortality rates, tobacco use surpasses them in terms of preventable deaths. Obesity is another critical factor affecting health, associated with many chronic conditions, but it is not classified in the same direct manner as tobacco regarding preventable deaths linked to specific substances. The historical prevalence and widespread nature of tobacco use, combined with its health consequences, solidify its status as the leading cause of preventable deaths.