The American Lung Association commented on Mar. 19 regarding new data showing a drop in adult cigarette smoking rates in the United States, while overall tobacco use rates remained unchanged. The statement follows the release of an article in the New England Journal of Medicine titled “Tobacco Product Use among U.S. Adults, 2023–2024.”
This topic is important because it highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in public health efforts to reduce tobacco-related harm.
Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said, “The American Lung Association is very pleased to see adult cigarette smoking rates have dropped below 10% for the first time in the National Health Interview Survey, the main federal survey measuring tobacco use among adults. The new study in NEJM evidence shows a decline from 10.8% in 2023 to 9.9% in 2024 using data from the National Health Interview Survey. This progress highlights the success of the country’s collective efforts to prevent and reduce smoking through 2024.”
Wimmer also addressed concerns about other forms of tobacco use: “However, according to the study, overall adult tobacco use rates remained unchanged from 2023, at 18.8% in 2024. This means that growth in the use of other tobacco products offset the progress on reducing cigarette smoking. It is imperative that federal tobacco prevention and reduction efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention be rebuilt to counter this trend, and that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continue to comprehensively oversee all tobacco products.”
Wimmer concluded by saying, “The American Lung Association is here to help everyone who uses tobacco products quit once and for all. Learn more at Lung.org/quit-smoking.”
The American Lung Association has supported research leading to advances in lung disease treatment and prevention according to its official website. The organization has expanded its reach nationwide through local offices and community initiatives addressing lung diseases according to its official website. It has also received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for fiscal management and transparency according to its official website. Wimmer serves as president and CEO according to its official website.
Looking ahead, observers may watch how federal agencies respond with renewed prevention efforts as recommended by Wimmer.
