Adult cigarette smoking rates hit all-time low in U.S.

Cigarette smoking among adults has hit an all-time low, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

About 13.7 percent of adults, or 34.2 million people, smoked cigarettes in 2018, slightly down from the previous year, according to the report.

“This marked decline in cigarette smoking is the achievement of a consistent and coordinated effort by the public health community and our many partners,” Dr. Robert Redfield, CDC director, said in a statement. 

“Yet, our work is far from over,” he continued. “The health benefits of quitting smoking are significant, and we are committed to educating Americans about the steps they can take to become tobacco-free.”

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., causing more than 480,000 deaths per year. 

Overall, 19.7 percent of adults used tobacco products in 2018, including cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipes and hookah. 

While cigarette use is declining among American adults, e-cigarette use is increasing: 3.2 percent of adults said they used e-cigarettes in 2018, up from 2.8 percent in 2017. 

The study notes the increase was driven by young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. 

In all, tobacco use rates were highest among men, American Indian/Alaska Natives, people with low incomes, people who are LGBTQ+ and those without health insurance.