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News

Smoking at Lowest Rates in L.A. County Since 1997

By  Jessica P. Ogilvie
Published Nov 14, 2012 11:00 PM
cigarette_butt.jpg
Photo by Nuno_Oliveira via the LAist Featured Photos pool
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If you've noticed a decrease in how often your clothes reek of nicotine after you step out of the house, it's not just because of the mounting regulations against lighting up in public places. According to a new report by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the total number of smokers in L.A. County fell below 1 million in 2011 for the first time since 1997.

The study found that 13.1 percent of adults (18 years and older) were smokers in 2011, which represents a decrease from 14.3 percent in 2002 and 2007. Researchers also determined that more men than women in L.A. smoke, and that the habit is more common among African-American men and women.

Smoking is also higher among people living among poverty, as well as the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered populations and people with mental health or substance abuse problems.

In terms of age, the highest level of smokers were among 25- to 29-year-olds, and the lowest were among 18- to 24-year-olds.

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