The effects of smoking on human health have been the subject of extensive research around the world for some time. Perhaps not surprisingly, research continually shows that nicotine is highly addictive and very difficult to break. In fact, nicotine use has been shown to destroy the lining of the lungs, accelerate the onset of emphysema, and in many cases cause lung cancer. However, the age group most likely to start smoking and least likely to give up the habit is adolescents. More than ever, it is important that research focuses on the unique effects of smoking on adolescents, including specific structural, chemical, and health issues. The medical community agrees that smoking cigarettes causes structural and chemical changes in the developing adolescent brain. Additionally, adolescent smokers are more vulnerable to alcohol and drug addiction and even mental illness (National Center on Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse). In fact, teens who smoke are nine times more likely to meet medical criteria for illegal drug abuse and dependence than teens who don't smoke, according to a study by the Bradford Center for Recovery. Preventing children from smoking could have a dramatic effect on health, the panel says: Smoking kills about 443,000 people a year in the United States, and 90 percent of smokers start before age 18. The report, Nicotine: Hidden Dangers, sounds the alarm for those interested in children's health. The report cites findings that show adolescents who smoke are prone to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. “We have long known that smoking contributes to devastating diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. We are now seeing the crippling effects that... middle of paper ...... secondhand smoke. “A large portion of children who use tobacco smoke products other than cigarettes, including cigars and hookahs, which are equally dangerous,” said Tim McAfee, MD, MPH, director of the Office of Tobacco and Environmental Protection. health from the CDC. Eighty percent of smokers start smoking before the age of 18. It is therefore extremely important to educate parents and children about the dangers of such addiction. The brain development of adolescents, who are highly vulnerable to personal, social and media influences to start smoking, is reason enough to make every effort to provide them with information about tobacco before they start smoking. Armed with knowledge of the devastating effects of nicotine addiction, professionals and parents must take steps to educate children who will likely face illness and premature death if they follow in the footsteps of so many adolescents before them..