Cigarette Smoking Statistics

In the United States, an estimated 24.8 million men (23.1 percent) and 21.1 million women (18.3 percent) are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The latest estimates for persons age 18 and older show:

• Among whites, 23.5 percent of men and 20.6 percent of women smoke (2008). 
• Among blacks, 25.6 percent of men and 17.8 percent of women smoke.
• Among Hispanics, 20.7 percent of men and 10.7 percent of women smoke.
• 9.9 percent of Asian adults smoke.
• 24.3 percent of American Indian/Alaska Native adults smoke.

Source: National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 2008, National Center for Health Statistics

Current smokers have a 2.26 times increased risk of death from heart disease compared with those who never smoked. They also have a 3.56 times increased risk of cancer death.

Source: Nov. 23, 2009 American Heart Association rapid access journal report

For more information on the impact of using tobacco on your heart, visit the American Heart Association at http://www.americanheart.org.

Want to quit smoking?
Learn more at www.hr.emory.edu/healthspotlight

View previous quick facts:
Tobacco Quick Fact 1: What's Really in a Cigarette?
Tobacco Quick Fact 2: How Much Does It Cost?