Life 1.1 billion people smoked in 2019 — a record high, study says. But smoking decreased in the US May 28, 2021May 31, 2021 Asha C. Gilbert and Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY Comments 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.