Methods: We used data from the 1987, 1991, 1992, 1998, 2000, and 2005 National Health Interview Surveys, household surveys of a representative sample of the US non-institutionalized population. In-person interviews collected data on current use of cigars, pipes, snuff and chewing tobacco. State-specific estimates of current smokeless tobacco use from 1990-2004 were examined using data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual US telephone-based survey.

Results: Cigar smoking among White, Black and Hispanic men and women, age 18-24 years and Hispanic men age 25-34 increased, while cigar smoking among those age 65+ decreased. Pipe smoking decreased in all groups except Black and Hispanic men age 18-24 years. Chewing tobacco and snuff use decreased in all groups except white men age 25-44 years and Black men age 35-44 years. In 2004, the proportion of adults who used smokeless tobacco ranged from 0.8% in New Jersey to 9.3% in Wyoming. Men have remained the predominant users of other tobacco products with cigar smoking the most commonly used product among all subgroups except white men age 18-24 years and Black men age 65+ years, who primarily use snuff.

Conclusions: With the introduction of new tobacco products and their aggressive marketing, continued surveillance of non-cigarette tobacco products is needed.