Number of U.S. smokers decreases

The number of people who smoke in the U.S. is down, but 1 in 5 still haven't kicked the habit, according to a new study from the CDC. 

ATLANTA, GA (Catholic Online) - Between 2005 and 2009, the percentage of American smokers declined by 1.6 percent. The decline is also slower than it has been previously. Doctor Thomas Frieden said, "It's been much slower than the rate of decline in the previous five years, we can certainly do much better."

The number of light smokers has actually increased, rising from 16.4 percent to 21.8 percent between 2005 to 2010. Light smokers are those who smoke one to nine cigarettes per day. 
Frieden continued and explained that the percentage of heavy smokers has declined from 12.7 percent to 8.3 percent. A heavy smoker is defined as a person who smokes more than 30 cigarettes per day. 

Researchers made clear that even light smoking causes harm, and the only safe thing to do is to quit entirely. Or to avoid starting.

The study attributes the overall improvements to a decline in smoker friendly environments. There are far fewer public places for people to smoke, and some places have become entirely smoke free. Better public awareness from education and labeling, as well as higher prices on cigarettes have also played a role in the reduction.   Going after smokers is popular policy in some places. California policymakers have noted that in 1988 the state invested $1.8 billion to control tobacco consumption, and has since realized some $86 billion in healthcare savings alone. Cigarettes are also popular "sin tax" items and states use the money for any number of other purposes. 

Researchers said smoking costs the nation $193 billion per year in healthcare alone and it is the single largest preventable cause of disease. 

The published study can be found in the current issue of, Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report.

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