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Quick links to detailed datasheets for United States of America at gsthr.org

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

September 12, 2024 by newsweek.com

Youth Vaping Drops to Record Low

E-cigarettes remain the tobacco product most used by children in the United States, but their use has declined significantly, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that smoking e-cigarettes, or vapes, has declined among middle and high school students. E-cigarette use has gone from 2.13 million students in 2023, to 1.63 million in 2024. Vaping still remains a significant issue, with 2.5 percent of middle schoolers reporting that they use e-cigarettes, meaning that children as young as 11 years old are starting to use nicotine products.

September 11, 2024 by iwf.org

Youth Vapor Product Use at Historic Lows, Use of New Oral Nicotine Products Still Low

The CDC released early findings from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey focusing on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. E-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students hit record lows, with only 5.9% currently using them, down significantly from 2019. Nicotine pouch use is also low, with 1.8% of students reporting current use in 2024. Concerns over youth safety in schools, like weapon threats, are more pressing than nicotine product use. The data show a need for expedited approval of harm reduction products by federal regulators, considering the potential benefits for adults using these products for smoking cessation.

September 11, 2024 by dglobe.com

What to do about youths and vaping?

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison urged over 5,000 retailers to cease selling unauthorized flavored tobacco products, emphasizing the harm to minors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports stricter tobacco regulations. Vaping among youths is present in ISD 518, with a focus on prevention through social and emotional learning in schools and communities. Programs like My Life, My Quit offer support for quitting vaping. Educators stress early intervention and education as crucial in combating the youth vaping issue. Proactive measures, including youth coalitions and community involvement, are seen as essential.

September 11, 2024 by scientificamerican.com

Vape Additives that Mimic Nicotine Are Potent—and Largely Unregulated

A new synthetic nicotine, Metatine, similar to traditional nicotine, has entered the U.S. vaping market, evading FDA regulations. Concerns arise as studies suggest it may be more potent and harmful than nicotine. Researchers worry about mislabeling and lack of data on its effects when burned or metabolized. Calls for regulatory action urge caution due to potential risks and loopholes in current laws. Experts emphasize the need for thorough scientific evidence to ensure public health protection. The FDA is funding research on nicotine analogs but acknowledges a lack of comprehensive data. Authorities face challenges in defining and regulating these emerging products amid growing concerns.

September 10, 2024 by atr.org

Congressional Grilling of Center for Tobacco Control Rare Opportunity For Taxpayers and Consumers

Brian King, head of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Control, faces a House hearing due to agency failures and political influence. The CTP's mishandling led to court criticism and whistleblower claims of neglecting science for politics. Amid demands for FDA reform, the agency's delays in approving safer nicotine products endanger public health. Transparency issues, administrative burdens, and public misperceptions on vaping worsen the situation. The hearing seeks accountability and urges the FDA to prioritize harm-reducing products, highlighting the need for structural reforms to protect millions of lives.

September 10, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Mixed Feelings at PMTA Anniversary

Representatives of the U.S. vapor industry had mixed feelings on the fourth anniversary of PMTA filings. The FDA has received 26 million applications for novel tobacco products, mostly e-cigarettes, but rejected over 99% of them. The agency approved over 6,000 new combustible tobacco products while only allowing four vaping devices as cigarette alternatives. The refusal to authorize flavored e-cigarettes aimed to protect youth, despite a decline in youth vaping rates. The vapor industry criticized the FDA for prioritizing deadly combustible products, leading to millions of smoking-related deaths and substantial healthcare costs.

September 09, 2024 by theblaze.com

How bureaucracy stalls the battle against smoking

The latest U.S. vaping statistics show increasing popularity in vaping and decreasing smoking rates, highlighting the need for updated FDA regulations. Despite the rise in vaping, restrictions hinder access to safer smoking alternatives. SAMHSA reports an increase in adult vaping and a decrease in cigarette use. Tobacco manufacturers face declining sales due to economic pressures and rising disposable e-cigarette products. Current regulatory processes favor major tobacco companies, limiting market competition. The FDA's slow approval of safer alternatives poses challenges, overlooking the growing adult vaping market. Congressional intervention is crucial to amend outdated tobacco laws and improve access to harm reduction products for American adults.

September 06, 2024 by thehill.com

Youth vaping dropped to lowest levels in a decade, federal data shows

The number of teenagers who use electronic cigarettes in 2024 dropped significantly from its peak in 2019, according to new federal data, which officials touted as a major public health victory against vaping products. Half a million fewer U.S. youth reported current use of e-cigarettes in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, an estimated 6 percent of all middle and high school students said they currently used e-cigarettes, a drop from last year’s 7.7 percent, according to the survey. 

September 06, 2024 by filtermag.org

Triton Case: Briefs on “Poisonous” Vape Flavors Flood Supreme Court

A group of attorneys general and members of Congress filed amicus briefs with the Supreme Court, arguing against the sale and marketing of flavored vaping products. They claim vaping leads to health risks, especially among youth. The FDA's authorization of some menthol vaping products is criticized. While allegations suggest vaping is linked to lung cancer, solid evidence is lacking. Despite claims of negative health consequences, flavored vapes are seen as less harmful than cigarettes they can replace. Some studies linking vapes to harm are criticized for methodological flaws. Additionally, bans on flavored vapes may increase cigarette sales. The debate highlights conflicting views on vaping's impact on public health.

August 16, 2024 by alaskabeacon.com

Survey of Alaska youth reveals more mental health problems, but also some positive trends • Alaska Beacon

Alaska's recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows troubling increases in mental health issues among teens, particularly girls. Depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and cyberbullying have risen since 2011. The survey also highlights declining rates of healthy weight maintenance, physical activity, and sugary beverage consumption among students. However, positive trends include decreased tobacco and e-cigarette use. The state aims to address these issues through public health initiatives and support for youth. Efforts to combat vaping include comprehensive strategies and alternatives to school suspensions.