According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, approximately 14.0% of adults aged 18 years and older in the USA were current cigarette smokers. This represents a decline from previous years but still indicates a significant number of adult smokers.

Smoking prevalence varies by demographic factors such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status. For example, smoking rates tend to be higher among adults with lower levels of education and income, as well as among certain racial and ethnic groups.

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease among adults in the USA. Cigarette smoking is associated with a range of serious health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD), and numerous other cancers.

Secondhand smoke exposure is also harmful to nonsmokers and can cause various health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. Despite progress in implementing smoke-free policies, many adults in the USA are still exposed to secondhand smoke in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

he use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has become increasingly popular among adults in the USA, particularly among current or former smokers who are looking to quit or reduce their cigarette consumption. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks and long-term consequences of e-cigarette use.

Some adults engage in dual use, meaning they use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes concurrently. Dual use can pose unique health risks and may hinder efforts to quit smoking altogether.

Many adults in the USA express a desire to quit smoking, and various resources and support services are available to help them quit. These include nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches, gum, and lozenges), prescription medications, counseling, support groups, and quit lines.

Tobacco use disproportionately affects certain populations, including those with lower socioeconomic status, certain racial and ethnic groups, individuals with mental health conditions, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Addressing these disparities is important for reducing the overall burden of tobacco-related disease and death in the USA.