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US smoking at record lows

2023-04-27 20:45:55, Kosova & Bota CNA

US smoking at record lows

Smoking in the United States hit another historic low last year. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study released Thursday, only 1 in 9 American adults (ages 18 and older) say they smoke. Meanwhile, according to the same study, e-cigarette use rose to nearly 6% last year, from about 4.5% the year before. 1 in 17 American adults use e-cigarettes.

The preliminary findings are based on responses from a survey of more than 27,000 people.

Smoking is considered a risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. It has also long been considered the leading cause of preventable deaths (deaths associated with risk factors that could have been avoided).

In the mid-1960s, 42% of American adults were smokers. For decades, the level has suffered a gradual decline, due to cigarette taxes, increased tobacco production costs, smoking restrictions, and a less tolerant approach to smoking in public.

Last year, the percentage of adult smokers fell to about 11%, from about 12.5% ??in 2020 and 2021. Sometimes after further analysis, the study's findings are revised. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to release final data for 2022 soon.

According to the study, e-cigarette use rose to nearly 6% last year, from about 4.5% the year before.

The increase in the use of electronic cigarettes is a problematic indicator for Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean at the Colorado School of Public Health. According to the American Heart Association, nicotine addiction is a factor that can cause health problems, such as high blood pressure.

" I think smoking will continue to decline, but it is not clear whether the same will happen with nicotine addiction, given the rise of electronic products, " says Mr. Samet, who for nearly four decades has been one of contributing experts to reports to key White House advisers on health issues.

As for teenagers, the study data for last year show that about 2% of high school students were consumers of traditional cigarettes, and about 14% used electronic cigarettes./ VOA





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