New jersey smokers just 10% of total population, report claims

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – A recent study conducted by SnusBoss, using data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), reveals that New Jersey has achieved significant progress in reducing smoking rates over the past decade.

According to the study, the smoking rate in New Jersey decreased from 17.8% in 2012 to 10.6% in 2022, marking a 7.2% reduction.

This decline positions New Jersey as having the 10th largest reduction in smoking rates among all states. The study highlights various states’ efforts in curbing smoking habits, with Kentucky leading with an 11.7% decrease in active smokers. In contrast, California recorded the smallest decrease, with only a 2.6% drop, indicating a struggle in reducing smoking rates.

The BRFSS, a comprehensive health-related telephone survey, collects data on health behaviors, chronic health conditions, and preventive service use across the U.S. It conducts over 400,000 interviews annually, making it the largest health survey system globally.

The report places New Jersey’s achievements in a broader national context, noting that the average decrease in smoking rates across the U.S. from 2012 to 2022 was 6.19%. States like Kentucky, the District of Columbia, and Michigan have seen significant reductions, underscoring the varied success levels across the country in combating smoking.

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