Tobacco use is on the decline in America, thanks to concentrated efforts to highlight the dangers of smoking. A report from the American Lung Association found that cigarette usage among youth and adults has dropped significantly, falling to 13.7 percent among adults and 8.8 percent among youth. There are presently more than 34 million cigarette smokers in the U.S., however, this number is down from 40 million in 1997. 

According to Americans Health Ranking, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S., with cigarette smoking being responsible for more than 480,000 deaths yearly. In addition, smokers live 10 years less than non-smokers, on average, and more than 16 million Americans live with a disease caused by smoking. 

The average number of people who smoke 24 cigarettes a day or more has decreased to 6 percent. 

The method of smoking is changing among Americans as users look for new ways to get their nicotine fix. Though more Americans have begun using electronic cigarettes in the last decade, the number of users has declined. 

People who use electronic cigarettes have dropped to 11.7 percent from 12.6 percent. More youth are picking up the habit, with the number of middle school students using electronic cigarettes rising to 10.5 percent, and the number of high school students rising to 20 percent. 

In 2019, nearly 21 million children took up the e-cigarette habit, with 69 percent of young users preferring flavored e-cigarettes. The JUUL e-cigarette was the overwhelming favorite among young people at 54 percent, followed by the refillable tank system at 24 percent.