In the United States, an estimated that nearly 26 million men (24 percent) and nearly 21 million women (18 percent) are smokers. That’s nearly 47 million people in the United States who are higher risk of heart attack and stroke than non-smokers. estimates for persons age 18 and older show…

• Among non-Hispanic whites, 24.0 percent of men and 20.0 percent of women smoke (2004).
• Among non-Hispanic blacks, 26.7 percent of men and 17.3 percent of women smoke.
• Among Hispanics, 21.1 percent of men and 11.1 percent of women smoke.
• Among Asians (only), 20.6 percent of men and 6.1 percent of women smoke.
• Among American Indians/Alaska Natives, 37.5 percent of men and 26.8 percent of women smoke.
• Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those who had earned a GED diploma (43.2 percent) and among those with 9–11 years of education (32.6 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (7.1 percent). It’s highest among persons living below the poverty level (29.9 percent).