Smoking in United States of America
The overall smoking prevalence in the United States has been decreasing since 2006. 12.4% of the adult population are current smokers, down from 20.8% in 2006. This means there are now approximately 30.7 million people smoking in the country. 13.81% of men smoke whilst 10.77% of women are current smokers. The most recent data show there were 492,438 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 221,600 women and 270,800 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 17.9% (women: 16.2%; and men: 19.3%). Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in the United States and there are 9.1 million vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 3.7% (women: 2.77%; and men: 4.55%). Vaping devices can only be sold to those 18 and older and can be purchased without a prescription. Health warnings are required on packaging and there are legal restrictions on their use in public places. Heated tobacco products are legal and can be marketed. Snus is also legal, but it can only be used by those aged 21 and older and a health warning on packaging is required. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can be marketed and are available to buy in many general shops without a prescription. The NRT market in the United States is worth €862.3 million. For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Read articles from United States of America
April 25, 2024 by realclearhealth.com
Tobacco Harm Reduction Saves Smokers’ Lives
FDA Commissioner Califf spoke at a hearing, incorrectly labeling tobacco harm reduction as an industry term. Dr. Rodu challenges this, advocating for harm reduction to save the 480,000 American lives lost yearly due to cigarettes. He argues for safer nicotine alternatives, stressing the need for realistic public health policies over prohibition. Rodu emphasizes the parallels between nicotine and caffeine, calling for a shift towards evidence-based strategies to combat smoking-related illnesses. The narrative around nicotine's risks is critiqued, highlighting the potential benefits of harm reduction. Ultimately, the focus should be on saving lives by providing adult smokers with choices to quit and lead healthier lives.
April 23, 2024 by regulatorwatch.com
Industry Plot? | FDA Commissioner Denigrates Tobacco Harm Reduction | RegWatch
Does the regulator responsible for overseeing tobacco products in the U.S. believe in the practice of tobacco harm reduction? According to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, the answer is a resounding no. Appearing before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Califf repeatedly dismissed THR as an “industry term” and refused to answer questions on the topic. Joining us today to discuss the ramifications of the commissioner’s testimony is Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association. We review informed questioning by U.S. House Reps and take a deep dive into problematic responses by the commissioner.
April 18, 2024 by townhall.com
Democrats Should Join the Call for FDA to Accelerate Approval of Smokefree Products
Nearly 70 House Representatives urge the Biden Administration to speed up approval processes for smokefree products, highlighting their potential to reduce harm. Republicans emphasize the FDA's slow authorization for safer products compared to traditional tobacco. Delays benefit deadly cigarettes over innovation. Democrats' resistance contradicts public health interests, hindering harm reduction efforts. Misinformation fuels their push for restrictions on products proven to drive down smoking rates. Calls for informed decisions and equal access to alternatives aim to empower smokers.
April 16, 2024 by csnews.com
Sen. Durbin Questions FDA Over Youth Access to Unauthorized E-Cigarettes
The FDA, under court order, has not completed all PMTA reviews for vape products, leading to concerns about harmful e-cigarettes being sold to children. Senator Durbin criticized the FDA and DOJ for not enforcing laws against manufacturers selling unauthorized vaping products. Despite warning letters and marketing denial orders, some companies continue to sell unauthorized vaping items in violation of the law, prompting calls for stricter enforcement actions.
April 15, 2024 by suntimes.com
Pass bill to protect kids from the dangers of illegal e-cigarettes
Youth vaping and illegal vape products are prevalent in stores and schools, with peers adept at hiding them. Packaging entices kids with flavors and appealing designs. Illinois considers House Bill 5069 to regulate vapes, ensuring compliance with state and federal law. The bill aims to list legal products, deterring the sale of illegal ones. A reader opposes President Biden's free education proposal, highlighting the need for upfront payment at graduation. President Trump's judicial bias is criticized, questioning fairness in court cases involving judges with ties to him. Despite O.J. Simpson's controversies, a reader hopes his death raises awareness for prostate cancer screening.
April 15, 2024 by filtermag.org
To Save Veterans’ Lives, the VA Must Innovate on Smoking Cessation
The United States has invested heavily in military hardware, but has overlooked tech innovations that could save lives and costs. High smoking rates among active-duty military and veterans pose health risks and financial burdens. Harm-reduction strategies like vaping offer effective smoking cessation but are underutilized by the government. Technology reducing smoke exposure from nicotine products can greatly decrease health risks. Other countries are ahead in adopting such strategies, while the US lags. Embracing innovation in tobacco harm reduction is crucial for improving veterans' health and well-being. The Veterans Administration must prioritize these advancements to better support those who served.
April 12, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com
Video: FDA Urged to Prioritize Access to Safer Alternatives
Consumer advocates criticized the FDA for failing to provide safer nicotine alternatives in a House Oversight hearing. The agency's slow approval process leaves adult consumers with limited options to transition from cigarettes. Only a few products have been authorized out of over 26 million applications, causing concerns about pushing consumers towards the illicit market. Urgent action is needed to prioritize access to scientifically validated alternatives like e-cigarettes. Philip Morris International also called for a transparent regulatory pathway that supports harm reduction principles.
April 11, 2024 by daytondailynews.com
VOICES: Menthol and flavored nicotine products has devastating effects on vulnerable communities
Our elected state legislators did the unthinkable. On December 14, 2023, Ohio GOP lawmakers decided to add a provision to a bill to prevent any community in Ohio from regulating vaping, smoking, and other nicotine product use and sales. The City of Columbus had just passed a menthol and flavor ban. There were community meetings to hear testimony from both sides. I was asked to testify at several of those meetings. One was so contentious, that when leaving, several Columbus policemen asked to escort me to my car.
April 11, 2024 by pewresearch.org
9 facts about Americans and marijuana
Marijuana legalization is gaining support in the U.S., with around 90% favoring legalization for medical or recreational use. Views vary by age, political party, and race. Support for legalization has increased over the years, with economic and criminal justice benefits being considered. Most Americans also support easing penalties for marijuana-related offenses. Currently, 24 states and D.C. allow recreational and medical use, while another 14 permit medical use only. About 54% of Americans live where recreational and/or medical marijuana is legal. In total, there are almost 15,000 marijuana dispensaries nationwide, with states like California and Colorado having the largest number.
April 11, 2024 by theguardian.com
Menthol cigarettes are killing Black Americans. Advocates are suing the government to change that
Aggressive tobacco marketing of menthol cigarettes to Black communities led to high addiction rates and premature deaths. Despite FDA attempts to ban menthol and potential life-saving benefits, tobacco lobbies delayed the process for years. The ban could prevent hundreds of thousands of smoking-related deaths. Advocates stress the urgency to implement the ban as nearly all smokers start in adolescence, with menthol cigarettes being more addictive. The exemption of menthol flavor from a 2009 law has contributed to increased menthol smoking, particularly among young adults and minorities. Delaying the ban continues to have deadly consequences.
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