Lowest Smoking Rate in US History: A Public Health Milestone

Market by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.12.2024
Lowest Smoking Rate in US History: A Public Health Milestone
According to US News, the smoking rate in the US has reached a historic low of 11.5%, falling from 42% in 1965, signaling the success of anti-tobacco campaigns.

According to a report from US News on January 11th, the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the smoking rate in the United States has declined from 42% in 1965 to a historic low of 11.5% in 2021 since the release of an important health and smoking report by the US Department of Health on January 11th, 1964. Anti-tobacco advocates believe that this marks the beginning of the largest and longest-running public health campaign in the United States.

 

For decades, tobacco control advocates have been raising public awareness of the health hazards associated with tobacco use and implementing indoor smoking bans in public places, leading to a cultural shift in how Americans view smoking. As of February 2023, a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 57% of American adults support a policy of banning the sale of all tobacco products.

 

Yolanda Richardson, president and CEO of the "Smoke-Free Kids" organization, stated that the smoking situation in the United States is actually a success story. Although progress has been slow, there has been a significant decrease in smoking rates among adults and young people, and public attitudes towards smoking have also undergone a notable shift. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of smoking among adolescents has also been steadily declining, dropping from 36.4% in 1997 to 1.9% in 2023.

 

Despite a continuous decline in the national smoking rate, some individuals believe that progress in recent years has slowed down. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, resulting in over 480,000 American fatalities each year and incurring healthcare costs exceeding $240 billion.

 

According to data from the US Food and Drug Administration, nearly 85% of African American smokers and 30% of white smokers use menthol cigarettes. Richardson believes that more work is needed to address the persistently high rates of tobacco use among different regions and specific populations. She states, "We cannot let our guard down.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Expo Watch | Flight Disruptions & Brand Shakeout Lead to Sluggish Dubai Vape Show — Exhibitors Say “It Feels Like a Solo Party”
Expo Watch | Flight Disruptions & Brand Shakeout Lead to Sluggish Dubai Vape Show — Exhibitors Say “It Feels Like a Solo Party”
Attendance declines at World Vape Show Dubai, with exhibitors citing lack of diversity in buyers and growing industry competition.
Jun.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Selangor Government to Decide on Ban of E-cigarette Sales
Selangor Government to Decide on Ban of E-cigarette Sales
Selangor government to decide on ban of e-cigarette sales, citing public health and industry impact. Trend spreading to more areas.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
India’s Vape Ban: A Case Study in Unintended Consequences | By Association of Vapers India Director for 2Firsts
India’s Vape Ban: A Case Study in Unintended Consequences | By Association of Vapers India Director for 2Firsts
Five years after India’s vape ban, illicit sales are booming and smokers are denied safer alternatives. In this exclusive piece for 2Firsts, AVI Director Samrat Chowdhery explores the policy’s unintended consequences and calls for regulatory reform.
Jun.04
Brazilian Health Minister Reaffirms Opposition to E-Cigarette Legalization, Supports Total Sales Ban
Brazilian Health Minister Reaffirms Opposition to E-Cigarette Legalization, Supports Total Sales Ban
On World No Tobacco Day 2025, Brazil’s Health Minister Alexandre Padilha reiterated his support for a total e-cigarette ban, backing the national policy that prohibits their sale, import, and advertising under RDC 855/2024.
May.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Texas Governor Signs E-Cigarette Bill: Bans Vapes Made by China and "Foreign Adversaries"
U.S. Texas Governor Signs E-Cigarette Bill: Bans Vapes Made by China and "Foreign Adversaries"
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 2024, effective September 1, 2025, tightening e-cigarette regulations. The law targets marketing to minors, vape products disguised as everyday items, illegal additives, and e-cigarettes made by "foreign adversaries" like China.
Jun.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Goldman Sachs: Chinese Brands Geek Bar and Breeze Surge in U.S. Market as Juul, Vuse Lose Share
Goldman Sachs: Chinese Brands Geek Bar and Breeze Surge in U.S. Market as Juul, Vuse Lose Share
Chinese brands Geek Bar, Raz, and Breeze are quickly rising in the U.S. e-cigarette market, now holding a combined 25.1% share, Goldman Sachs reports. While Vuse and Juul lost ground, Geek Bar Pulse jumped 729%, Raz 233%, and Breeze 105% over the past year.
May.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai