According to a new Tobacco Atlas co-created by the World Lung Foundation and the American Cancer Society, use of this harmful substance in 2010 is expected to result in 6 million fatalities around the world and cost the global economy US$500 billion in a combination of direct medical expenses, lost productivity and environmental harm.

The report contains other information such as an international total of 1 billion men and 250 million women who smoke, with smokers dying an average of 15 years earlier than non smokers and tobacco killing up to one-half of those who smoke.

While rates of tobacco use have declined in some countries such as the United States, Britain and Japan, the report states that they are still on the rise in others.

World Lung Foundation and the American Cancer Society, our sincere gratitude for your revealing survey that quantifies the enormous cost of this damaging substance.

May governments and organizations across the globe swiftly join in ensuring health and well-being through measures that bring a tobacco-free world to all.

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE57O52L20090825