America’s air is a little bit clearer these days.
The Centers for Disease Control released a report last week that found the proportion of Americans who smoke cigarettes daily has decreased from 20.9 percent in 2005 to 19.3 percent in 2010.
The CDC report said the decline in smokers represents approximately 3 million fewer smokers in 2010 than would have existed had the prevalence of smoking not declined since 2005.
According to the report, the South has the second highest proportion of smokers, trailing the Midwest. The proportion of smokers in the South, 21 percent, is above the national average of 19.3 percent. The South also did the worst at reducing its smoking population — it has decreased by less than one percent since 2005.
Brian Savage, history senior, attributed the South’s penchant for smoking cigarettes as part of the “Southern socializing.”
Saichuk said cigarettes are also used as an unhealthy way to cope with emotional problems like stress.
“I quit smoking cigarettes for six months using Nicorette gum, but when my girlfriend and I broke up I had to go to the store and buy a pack,” Savage said.
The Student Health Center is equipped with counseling and medication to help students through tobacco cessation, Saichuk said.
“We’re here to help if people are interested in quitting,” Saichuk said.
 
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Contact Josh Naquin at [email protected]