Previous declines in the smoking rate have stalled out in the last 5 years with the national rate of smoking remaining unchanged, according to an early release copy of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The Report gives numbers on smoking rates and second-hand smoke exposure.
According to the report, the US smoking rate was 20.9% in 2005 and 20.5% in 2009. Cigarette smoking remains highest among those living in poverty and with the lowest levels of education.
Second-hand smoke exposure rates, however, continue to decline. The report cites that 40% of children age 3 and under had exposure to smoke in the latest study. This compares to 88% of the 4 and under population in a 1988-1991 study. While second-hand smoke has declined, the report notes that 88 million children age 3 and under are still exposed to the problem.
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
