Tobacco use by adults - United States, 1987
Article Abstract:
In 1987 the National Health Interview Survey of Cancer Epidemiology and Control collected data on tobacco use by American adults. Of the 44,000 people surveyed, 33 percent regularly used some form of tobacco and 28.8 percent smoked cigarettes. More men smoked than women, 31.2 percent compared with 26.5 percent. The 25- to 44-year-old age group showed the highest percent of smokers, 33.2 percent. Cigarette smokers were more likely than former smokers or nonsmokers to be frequent - five or more times per week - beer drinkers, and smokers were more likely to consume larger quantities of all alcoholic beverages, three or more drinks per occasion, than were nonsmokers. The Centers for Disease Control noted that cigarette smoking among adults in the US continues to decline at a rate of about 0.5 percent per year. However, at this rate, the US will not reach the 1990 national health objective to reduce the smoking population to less than 25 percent of all adults. Smoking is still the most important preventable cause of death and is responsible for one in every six deaths in the US. Efforts to reduce smoking must be increased. Specific attention should be paid to those groups at increased risk from smoking, such as minorities, pregnant women, blue-collar workers and heavy smokers.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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State activities for prevention of lead poisoning among children - United States, 1992
Article Abstract:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered the allowable blood lead level (BLL) from 25 to 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood in Oct 1991. It also called for 'virtually universal' screening and emphasized the importance of preventing lead poisoning in children. Also, the CDC recommended that more sensitive blood tests be used for screening instead of the previously recommended erythrocyte protoporphyrin test. In a survey of statewide programs and activities, 21 of 48 states had implemented or were planning to implement the updated guidelines within one year, 18 were planning to adopt the guidelines over several years and nine did not have plans to implement the guidelines. Lack of funds for blood testing was the main obstacle cited to universal screening. Medical and environmental management was provided for more than 50% of children with BLLs of at least 20 micrograms per deciliter in 86% of the states.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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