(Washington D.C.) - Cigarette sales in the U.S. are up for the first time in 20 years.

According to the American Lung Association, more people are smoking to deal with stress from the pandemic.

The Washington D.C.-based group also blames increased advertising and more discounts by the tobacco industry for smoking. Surveys show about 20 percent of adults and 10 percent of high school students in the area smoke.