But services to help smokers quit -- delivered via phone and online -- would seem well-positioned to withstand the disruptions of the pandemic. In a recent report, the coalition of anti-smoking counselors cited the pandemic and the drop in public awareness messaging. Smokers who called Minnesota’s hotline reported smoking more, but also said they were more motivated to quit because of COVID-19. Experts seeking to explain last year's trends also point to a drop in anti-smoking advertising campaigns from public health departments. "I have a feeling it may have had a positive effect on teen vaping, but a negative effect for adult smoking," said Rigotti.

Source: Fox News March 29, 2021 18:33 UTC