Smoking Rates Drop to All-Time Low in Canada May 31, 2001
News Summary
With smoking rates down in Canada, officials are shifting their focus to the dangers caused by secondhand smoke, Reuters reported May 29.According to a government study, 24 percent of Canadians smoked in 2000, a slight drop from 25 percent in 1999. Teenage smoking rates dropped substantially, from 28 percent to 25 percent for young people between the ages of 15 and 19.
The smoking rates are at an all-time low.
"We are indeed encouraged that progress continues to be made in reducing smoking prevalence and tobacco consumption, but there is much work to be done on a number of fronts," said Health Minister Alan Rock.
Rock added that the new government strategy would focus on the "unacceptably high number of Canadians who are exposed to secondhand smoke and its serious health hazards."
According to the report, 1.6 million Canadians under the age of 18 endured the effects of second-hand smoke at home, including 900,000 under the age of 12. The study further showed that nearly half of these homes had more than one smoker, with the average number of cigarettes smoked per day at more than 12.
"Both of these factors are important determinants of the level of risk to children's health," the report said.
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