Source: Fox News
Summary
A new study published in the journal NEJM Evidence found that the percentage of American adults who smoke cigarettes has dropped to the lowest level ever recorded, with 9.9% of U.S. adults reporting smoking cigarettes in 2024. This marks the first time the adult smoking rate in the U.S. has fallen to the single digits. The decline suggests the U.S. may be moving closer to the Healthy People 2030 goal of reducing adult smoking to 6.1%. However, the study also found that tobacco use was not evenly distributed across the population, with higher rates among certain demographic and occupational groups. Experts note that the findings reflect a shift in nicotine use rather than a disappearance of addiction.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar. The decline in cigarette smoking helps drive a decline in overall combustible tobacco use, but the prevalence of other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars, did not significantly change between 2023 and 2024. The study found that tobacco use was not evenly distributed across the population, with higher rates among certain demographic and occupational groups. The highest tobacco use was reported among people with a General Educational Development certificate, rural residents, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. The shift in nicotine use rather than a disappearance of addiction is a concern among experts. Another milestone, another phase in the ongoing effort to reduce tobacco use.
Author: Evan Null
