Question

question 16 (5 points)
according to the u.s. surgeon general, what is the leading preventable cause of illness and death in the united states?
a) violence
b) smoking tobacco
c) alcoholism
d) high-fat diets

Explanation:

Step 1: Identify the key public health statistic

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and reports from the U.S. Surgeon General, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States.

Step 2: Compare with the given options

• violence: While a significant public safety and health issue, it is not the leading cause of preventable death.
• smoking tobacco: Tobacco use (primarily smoking) accounts for nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States each year (more than 480,000 deaths annually).
• alcoholism: Alcohol abuse is a major preventable cause of death, but it ranks below tobacco use.
• high-fat diets: Poor diet and physical inactivity contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases and mortality, but tobacco use remains classified as the leading individual preventable cause.

Answer:

b) smoking tobacco