Updated: May 2024

Author: Tobacco Program, Vermont Department of Health

Decreasing the use of tobacco is a public health priority. Vermont residents ages 18 and above who smoke cigarettes, vape or use a smokeless tobacco product face increased risk of multiple types of cancer, chronic disease, heart and respiratory disease and reduced immune system health. The Tobacco Control Program as part of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Division works with many partners to both prevent initiation and decrease tobacco use. Our state target goal is 15% by 2030; in the most recent data the rate of smoking, vaping or smokeless tobacco product use is 19%. 

Tackling tobacco use requires employing evidence-based strategies including state and local policy, media campaigns to increase perception of harm and motivation to quit, community engagement and education, and comprehensive benefits available through health insurers and the Vermont Department of Health's 802Quits.  

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

• Look at previous data similar to this indicator from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for adult cigarette use.

Reducing cigarette smoking in adults is a Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicator. It is a high priority objective to drive action toward improving overall health and well-being.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of premature death in Vermont. It contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths per year, and also contributes to loss of mobility and co-morbidities that decrease longevity and quality of life.

The tobacco industry spends an estimated $15 million in the state in promotion of tobacco products including discounts, coupons and displays. Tobacco prevention coalitions have worked hard to decrease ads on retailer windows and doors and to recognize pharmacies and convenience stores for reducing or removing tobacco products entirely. For retailer stories highlighting this work and the harms and toxins contained in flavored tobacco products, check out the Vermont Department of Health's education campaign CounterBalance (counterbalancevt.com). More information is also available on the influence the tobacco retail environment has on community health, thanks to a partnership between the Department of Liquor and Lottery and VDH's Tobacco Control Program: Plans & Reports | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov). Look for the Vermont 2022 Tobacco Retail Audit Report.

There is a long, documented history of the tobacco industry targeting certain populations using neighborhood marketing, discounting promotions, celebrities and tailored products. One example is targeting women with tobacco products and imagery associating their use with weight loss; another example is the higher number of tobacco licenses in low-income neighborhoods and around schools, increase access to and use of tobacco products among vulnerable populations. 

The Tobacco Control Program works with a number of partners and service providers who know how to reach communities with prevention tools, education and awareness on the harms of tobacco use and industry tactics, and treatment information. Partners include the Pride Center, the Association of Uninsured Clinics, National Jewish Health Hospital, Department of Vermont Health Access, Vermont Afterschool, Clara Martin Center, University of Vermont Center on Behavior and Health and the Vermont Children's Health Improvement Program, Vermont Agency of Education and numerous tobacco prevention coalitions. 

One of the major thrusts of the Tobacco Control Program's work has been to decrease tobacco-associated health inequities among vulnerable populations. To assess progress, go to the State Health Improvement Plan Goal Tracker found at Tobacco Data | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)

The Tobacco Control Program invests in evaluation and monitoring, using results to improve our community and state level efforts. Professional Data Analysts (PDA) is the program's external evaluator. Evaluation projects and the annual program report can be found here under Evaluation Reports: Plans & Reports | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov)

The Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the data source for this indicator. Data is collected annually.

In the BRFSS survey, adults who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes and who now use them every day or some days are classified as currently smoking cigarettes. For vaping, adults are asked if they have ever used e-cigarettes and if so, whether they currently use them some days or every day. The question focuses on consumption of e-cigarettes containing nicotine, not cannabis. For smokeless products, which include chewing tobacco, snuff and snus, the question is asked similarly.

2022 BRFSS data for this indicator is also reported by sex, age group, education level, income range, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability status. Find more information in the 2022 BRFSS Annual Report starting on page 81: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov).