A recent study found that in total, smoking costs the United States approximately 0 billion each year including lost productivity and health costs. Other studies estimate the real cost of cigarettes to be about a pack, once all the related medical expenses are factored in. With such phenomenal figures, it is not surprising that an increasing amount of research is being devoted to the cost of smoking from a number of angles and including a number of industries.

The costs of smoking go beyond the direct treatment of smoking-related health concerns. Studies on worker absenteeism and productivity show a significantly higher cost to employers for smokers than non-smoking employees. Over the years, second hand smoke has also contributed significantly to the overall expense. Although research and education has improved drastically in recent decades, thousands of young people still start smoking every day, and the high economic, medical and social costs of smoking continue.

There are numerous resources available online that describe in detail the many economic and health related costs of smoking. Several very valuable and informative websites include:

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