Fact Sheets

The prevalence of adult smoking has declined steadily in California

Features youth prevalence by grade level, school type, race/ethnicity and gender

During the mid-to-late 1990s, smoking prevalence of 18–24 year olds increased dramatically. The 2005 data indicate a decrease in 18–24 year old smoking rates for the second year in a row.

Cigarette smoking has been identified as a significant and modifiable risk factor for both low birth weight and pre-term delivery. Maternal smoking during pregnancy has also been implicated in sudden infant death syndrome.

Since 1988, per capita cigarette consumption in California declined by 59.0%. During the same period, per capita cigarette consumption in the rest of the nation declined by 35.0%.

Smoking-attributed diseases are an economic burden

California’s state cigarette tax ($0.87 per pack) is much lower than the average state cigarette tax ($1.45 per pack).

The average cigarette tax rate ($0.48 per pack) for tobacco states is much lower than the overall U.S. state cigarette tax rate ($1.45 per pack).

How to counter tobacco industry arguments about low prices.

A very effective method for reducing tobacco consumption is to increase the price of tobacco products through tax increases.

Highlights from the California Tobacco Control Program’s Policy Strategy Summit

Significant progress has been made in California to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.

Menthol in cigarettes masks the harshness of tobacco, making menthol cigarettes more appealing to youth, more difficult to quit, and more likely to promote relapse.

Updated facts on cessation assistance, quitting and social norm change, and health benefits of cessation.