Nearly 7,000 Maryland youths start smoking each year but do not fully know the dangers of the habit, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

The 12th annual Kick Butts Day, on Wednesday, advocates an increased awareness of the dangers of thousands of chemicals in each puff of cigarette smoke. A poll conducted March 7 to 11 found 71 percent of adults and 79 percent of children could not identify any chemicals in the smoke other than tar and nicotine. Events will include the promotion of community tobacco-free facilities, mock funerals for the Marlboro Man, an interactive mobile museum on tobacco and rallies at state capitals.

The National Cancer Institute notes chemicals found in cigarette smoke are toxic and harm nearly every organ in the body.