U.S. adult smoking rates have reached a historic low of 9.9% in 2024, marking the first time cigarette use has dropped to single digits, although 25.2 million Americans still smoke.
The percentage of American adults who smoke cigarettes has fallen to a record low of 9.9% in 2024, according to a recent study. This marks a decrease from 10.8% in 2023 and represents the first time that adult smoking rates in the United States have dipped into single digits. The analysis, published in the journal NEJM Evidence, utilized data from the National Health Interview Survey.
This milestone is significant for public health officials, who have long aimed to reduce smoking rates. The findings indicate that the U.S. may be progressing toward the Healthy People 2030 goal of lowering adult smoking rates to 6.1%. Researchers, led by Israel Agaku, a public health expert based in Atlanta, expressed optimism about the trend. “If this decline continues, the target might be met or exceeded by 2030,” they noted in their paper.
Despite the encouraging statistics, tobacco use remains prevalent. Approximately 25.2 million adults in the U.S. still smoke cigarettes, which continue to be the most commonly used tobacco product. Furthermore, nearly 47.7 million adults, or 18.8% of the population, use at least one form of tobacco, including cigars and e-cigarettes.
The study analyzed responses from over 29,500 adults in 2023 and 32,600 adults in 2024, making it a comprehensive assessment of current tobacco use trends. The decline in cigarette smoking has also contributed to a reduction in overall combustible tobacco use, which includes both cigarettes and cigars. In 2024, about 12.6% of adults reported using combustible tobacco, down from 13.5% the previous year.
However, the prevalence of other tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and cigars, did not show significant changes between 2023 and 2024. The researchers emphasized the need for more robust tobacco control policies that address all types of tobacco products, given the stagnant rates of e-cigarette and cigar use.
The study also highlighted disparities in tobacco use across different demographics. Men reported significantly higher tobacco use than women, with over 24% of men using at least one tobacco product compared to nearly 14% of women. Additionally, tobacco use was more common among certain occupational groups, particularly those in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.
Among educational demographics, individuals with a general educational development certificate exhibited the highest tobacco use at 42.8%. Rural residents, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities also reported higher rates of tobacco consumption.
Young adults showed a preference for e-cigarettes over traditional cigarettes. Nearly 15% of adults aged 18 to 24 reported using e-cigarettes, while only 3.4% smoked cigarettes. This trend raises concerns among experts, who suggest that the shift in nicotine consumption reflects a change in habits rather than a reduction in addiction.
John Puls, a psychotherapist and addiction specialist in Boca Raton, Florida, noted that many of his patients prefer e-cigarettes and vaping products. “They’re easier to conceal, can be used almost anywhere, and deliver a much more powerful nicotine dose,” he explained. Puls, who was not involved in the study, pointed out that the social stigma surrounding cigarette smoking has increased, leading many to seek alternative nicotine sources.
He also expressed concern about the perception that e-cigarettes are a safer option, which may contribute to the decline in traditional cigarette smoking. “Cigarettes typically deliver about 1 to 2 milligrams of nicotine, while some vape products can contain 20 to 60 milligrams,” he said, highlighting the potential risks associated with vaping.
Health officials maintain that no tobacco product is safe, including e-cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., accounting for approximately one in three cancer deaths.
To further reduce tobacco use, sustained public health measures remain essential. These include smoke-free laws, tobacco taxes, and access to cessation support. Researchers noted that while progress has been made, ongoing efforts are critical to achieving lower smoking rates.
The study does have limitations, including variations in how smokeless tobacco has been defined over the years, reliance on self-reported data, and less reliable estimates for certain smaller subgroups. For further insights, Fox News Digital has reached out to Agaku for additional comments.
According to Fox News, the findings underscore the importance of continued vigilance in tobacco control efforts as the landscape of nicotine use evolves.