Despite decline, nearly 38 million Americans still smoke
Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults over 18 decreased from 20.9 percent in 2005 to 15.5 percent in 2016 - yet nearly 38 million American adults smoke cigarettes in 2016, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new numbers from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) show that among adults who have ever used cigarettes, the percentage who have quit increased from 50.8 percent in 2005 to 59.0 percent in 2016. During 2005–2016, the largest increase in quitting was among adults ages 25–44 years.