The relative mortality risks of smoking are detailed in new charts published in a leading scientific journal, the Seattle Times reported Sept. 2.

For example, researchers found that a 55-year-old male smoker is as likely to die within the next decade as a 65-year old man who has never smoked. A 35-year old nonsmoking man is five times less likely to die of heart disease in the next decade as to die in an accident.

The charts cover comparative risks for 10 causes of death, and all causes combined, broken down by age and smoking status (current, former, and never smoked). "These charts allow you to get stats that are about people who are more like you," said lead researcher Lisa Schwartz of Dartmouth College.

The risk charts were published in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.