CDC disappointed as smoking increases in U.S.

By William Atkins
Saturday, 21 November 2009 19:20

Science - Health

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the rate of cigarette smoking in the United States increased in 2008, the first time in fifteen years.


According to a 2008 national survey conducted by the CDC, just less then 21% of U.S. adults stated they smoke cigarettes. In 2007, that percentage was 19.8%.

The percentage of smokers in the United States has been decreasing annually since 1995—up until 2008, that is.

Vince Willmore, from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, stated, “Clearly, we’ve hit a wall in reducing adult smoking.” [CBC News/AP: “U.S. Adult Smoking Rate Hits 15-Year High”]

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths and illnesses in the United States. It causes cancers, heart disease, and other serious medical conditions.

In the 1960s, two out of 5 U.S. adults smoked (about 40%).

In 2010, the CDC had hoped smoking percentages would be down to 10%. That, unfortunately, will not be attained.

The CDC also stated that the frequency of smoking is still the highest in West Virginia and Indiana, with the second highest rates in the states of Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Page two continues.