Life 1.1 billion people smoked in 2019 — a record high, study says. But smoking decreased in the US May 28, 2021May 31, 2021Asha C. Gilbert and Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAYComments Off on 1.1 billion people smoked in 2019 — a record high, study says. But smoking decreased in the US A new study shows 1.1 billion people smoked in 2019. Experts say they aren't surprised because nicotine addiction is hard to quit.