Smoking Drops to Historic Levels

The smoke break appears to be on its way to becoming a relic of history. A new Gallup survey finds that 11% of Americans say they've smoked in the last week, matching an 80-year low set in 2022.

• Context: When Gallup first asked Americans about smoking in 1944, 41% of adults acknowledged the habit. The figure rose to its record high of 45% in 1954 and has generally been on the wane since, reports UPI. Even in the late 1980s, however, the rate was still three times higher than what it is today.

• Big driver: Fewer young people than ever smoke cigarettes, which Gallup sees as a major reason for the overall decline, per the Hill. Years ago, young adults were the most likely to smoke, but these days, 6% of adults under 30 do so, compared to 35% in 2003.
• Vaping: Yes, some are turning to e-cigs and vaping as an alternative, but more people smoke cigarettes than the electronic versions (11% vs. 7%). Vaping also is a young person's habit—18% of adults under 30 do so, and the percentage declines among older age groups.

(More smoking stories.)