Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults used some form of tobacco product in 2015, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Current Trends in U.S. Tobacco Use
The most recent National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data indicates that cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. While the prevalence of cigarette smoking has dropped substantially since the mid-20th century, the U.S. Surgeon General notes that millions of Americans still use combustible tobacco.
Public health tracking now requires a broader focus than just traditional cigarettes. The FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products tracks multiple categories, including:
- Combustible tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco.
- Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS): E-cigarettes and vape pens.
- Smokeless tobacco: Snuff, dip, and snus.
How Tobacco Use Impacts Public Health
Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and at least 69 of which are known to cause cancer.
According to the CDC, smoking causes immediate damage to the cardiovascular system, including the narrowing of blood vessels and increased risk of blood clots. Long-term use is explicitly linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and stroke.
Comparison of Tobacco Products
Public health experts often distinguish between combustible and non-combustible products when assessing population-level risks.
| Product Type | Primary Health Concern | Combustion Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | Carcinogenic smoke, cardiovascular disease | Yes |
| E-cigarettes | Nicotine addiction, lung injury, unknown long-term effects | No |
| Smokeless Tobacco | Oral cancers, gum disease | No |
Data compiled from CDC and FDA reporting.
Why Regulatory Oversight Matters
The FDA regulates the manufacture, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, and promotion of tobacco products to reduce the overall burden of disease. This includes enforcing age restrictions—prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21—and reviewing new product applications to determine their impact on public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common form of tobacco use?
Cigarettes remain the most frequently used tobacco product among U.S. adults, though use of e-cigarettes has increased in prevalence over the last decade, particularly among younger cohorts.
Does switching to e-cigarettes eliminate health risks?
No. While some organizations suggest e-cigarettes may be less harmful than combustible cigarettes for established smokers who switch completely, the CDC emphasizes that e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
Where can I find resources for quitting?
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