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Smoking Rate In US Lowest It's Ever Been According To New Study

It looks like the campaign against smoking is really working. According to a newly published study, smoking rates in the US have hit an all-time low, meaning fewer Americans are smoking than ever before.

FirstQuote Health Staff
Published on
June 26, 2018
Last Updated on
May 16, 2023
Smoking Rate In US Lowest It's Ever Been According To New Study

US smoking rates are at their lowest rate according to a new study. Adult smoking rates are at 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2005 according to a recent study from the Center of Disease Control (CDC). Teen smoking rates are also at a 22 year low according to another CDC study.

In the study, US smoking rates among teens are currently sitting at a 15.7%. These lower teen smoking rates are due to more awareness about the harmful effects of smoking. Teen smoking rates are also lower due to the lack of coolness perceived by the habit. Health effects of smoking can include lung disease, shortness of breath and mouth cancer. While US smoking rates are declining across all age levels, addiction to cigarettes is still responsible for 480,000 deaths annually in the United States.

In addition to the cost of human life, smoking also cost the United States economy over $300 billion dollars a year. These costs are caused by the medical cost associated with treating smokers and lost time at work due to the same smoking-related illness. Secondhand smoke can also contribute to the illness of others. In a recent study, secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals which can lead to respiratory infections, ear infections, severe asthma attacks and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in non-smokers. Since 1964, it is estimated that 2.4 million non-smokers have died as the result of secondhand smoke. As smoking rates decline, deaths from secondhand smoke are also expected to go down.

US Smoking rates were as high 42.5% of the U.S. population in 1965. Since then, both adult smoking rates and teen smoking rates have been on the decline. While teen smoking rates and adult smoking rates are at their lowest levels, there are some challenges to young to middle age adults/ Approximately 20% of adults 25 to 44 years old are smokers. This particular smoking rate is 4% above the national average. Below are current US smoking rates by age. Note smoking rates among those under 18 are not included in the CDC data. However, smoking rates for children are estimated to be lower than for adults.

  • 18-24 Smoking rate: 15.7%
  • 25-44 Smoking Rate: 20%
  • 45-64 Smoking Rate: 18%
  • 65+ Smoking Rate: 8.5%

Smoking rates are lowest by seniors while adult smoking rates are higher than teen smoking rates. Smoking rates are calculated every year by the CDC. These smoking rates are also separated by gender, race and regional location. Adult smoking rates are calculated by the CDC to measure the effectiveness of outreach programs to lower smoking across all age levels.

If you want to quit smoking, there are several steps you can take in order to kick the habit. Below are some common steps you can make in order to remove smoking from your life.

  • Make a plan - Studies have shown that you are more likely to accomplish something if you write it down. Therefore, make a plan to cut down on your smoking.
  • Stay busy - Keeping your mind off smoking can be as simple as keeping your mind occupied. Regular activities such as exercise, going for a walk, going to a movie or a smoke-free restaurant can break your “smoke break" habits.
  • Avoid smoking triggers - Smoking is a habit. By breaking habits that lead to smoking you will be able to break free from your smoking routine. Throw away your ashtray, lighter and cigarettes, avoid people who smoke and eat healthier.

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