Ohio smoking rate continues to decline

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the smoking rate in Ohio fell below 20 percent in 2008, the lowest level since the CDC began annual state smoking surveys in 1995 (Source: “Smoking in Ohio declining, but recession stress and other factors might change the trend,” Cleveland Plain-Dealer, June 9, 2009).

Although there are some that are concerned that stress associated with the poor economy will lead some to begin smoking again, the April 1 enactment of an additional 62-cent tax on cigarettes likely will mean the number of smokers in the state will continue to decline. Every 10 percent hike causes a 4 percent drop in consumption, according to the CDC.