Fact Check: "Less than 25% of adults aged 18 to 75 smoke daily in 2023."
What We Know
The claim that "less than 25% of adults aged 18 to 75 smoke daily in 2023" suggests a significant decline in smoking rates among adults. However, as of October 2023, comprehensive and reliable data specifically addressing this statistic is not readily available. The most recent data from public health sources indicates that smoking rates have been declining, but exact figures for 2023 are still being compiled and analyzed.
For instance, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in 2021, around 14% of adults in England were smokers, down from 15.8% in 2019. This trend suggests that the percentage of smokers is indeed decreasing, but it does not confirm the specific claim about daily smoking rates for 2023.
Analysis
The claim lacks direct evidence from authoritative sources that specifically confirm the "less than 25%" figure for 2023. The ONS data provides a general overview of smoking trends but does not break down daily smoking rates by age group for the current year. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted a global decline in smoking rates, but again, specific statistics for 2023 are not yet published.
Moreover, while some studies and surveys may indicate a decline in smoking prevalence, they often do not provide real-time data or age-specific breakdowns. The reliability of sources discussing smoking rates varies; government health agencies are generally considered credible, while anecdotal reports or non-peer-reviewed studies may lack rigor.
The absence of up-to-date, specific data means that while the trend of decreasing smoking rates is likely accurate, the exact claim about daily smoking rates in 2023 remains unverified.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that "less than 25% of adults aged 18 to 75 smoke daily in 2023" cannot be confirmed with the current available data. While there is evidence of a declining trend in smoking rates, specific statistics for daily smoking among the specified age group in 2023 are not yet available. Further research and updated statistics from reliable health organizations will be necessary to validate this claim.
