Study: U.S. Smokers Are Puffing Less

U.S. smokers are less likely to be heavy smokers than they were in the 1960s, a new study finds. The study used data from 40 years of government health surveys. In 1965, about 56% of smokers went through at least a pack (20 cigarettes) each day. By 2007, the figure had dropped to 41% of smokers. Heavy smokers were about 23% of the U.S. adult population in 1965. Forty years later, they were only 7.2%. In California, where anti-smoking efforts have been intense for decades, rates are even lower. Only 2.6% of adults in the state are heavy smokers today. Researchers said that heavy smoking is less common for two reasons. Many older smokers quit. The surveys also show that young smokers are less likely to be heavy smokers. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study. HealthDay News wrote about it March 15.