Smoking is hazardous. We all know it but despite of this, the smoking rates are going higher and higher. Anti-smoking efforts are made but these efforts go in vain. In the coming year, cigarette packs will be given a new look with some graphical designs. In fact, New York has already banned smoking in the public areas. But, no success has been achieved in this regard and still a few Americans smoke publicly. Here is a list of 10 most smoking addicted states.
1. Arkansas
In the last one year only 3% of the smoking population has made a move to quit smoking. And about 23% of the adult population is still addicted. The Governor of the city, Mike Beebe has mentioned smoking as the secondhand priority of the state. Smoking with kids under six in the cars is not acceptable. This law was enforced after encountering a guy smoking in the car with children below 14 years.
2. Indiana
If you believe in smoking while eating food or while drinking and of course during the working hours, then Indiana is a hot destination that you are looking for. The Hoosier State is ranked amongst the top three states in Indiana where smoking is promoted openly. The rules aren’t made to curb smoking. American Lung Association has given it an F grade in the area of smoke-free air.
3. Kentucky
Kentucky in association with North Carolina produces about two thirds of the tobacco harvest in the nation. Tobacco production is an important activity in Kentucky and last year the production went up to 140 million pounds. The Kentuckians are definitely helping the local farmers in this as they are the one who are readily involved in the act of smoking. The death ratio has also increased because of smoking. Kentucky is promoting smokers and high-schoolers are the worst sufferers in the U.S.
4. Louisiana
Above 5% of the adults in Louisiana are addicted to smoking. Alcohol and smoking are closely related to each other. And when it comes to partying, the two are consumed at a much higher rate. Lighting up a cigarette along with a drink is something that the people of Louisiana are fond of and appreciate. At present state has banned smoking in the bars, public buildings and work places but this has brought losses to the bars.
5. Mississippi
The state has put no ban on smoking in front of the kids and stands amongst the top three states where smoking is not restricted for child-care too. Though smoking has been banned in the government places and college premises but the government is planning to switch on the same restrictions on a broader scale. This idea was worked out by the supporters but it couldn’t gain much attention and finally collapsed in March; while the opponents don’t want the government to interfere in the private businesses. Apart from this the local residents too are not in favor of this prohibition in the public.
6. Missouri
The prices are not same in all the states in the U.S and vary; the Federal Government has imposed an additional tax of $1 on every pack of cigarette. In the New York state, the average cost of a packet of cigarette is over $10 because of a hefty tax that is levied. The Show-Me State is creating awareness to inhibit smoking and primarily in case of youngsters. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a hike of 10% on each cigarette pack will reduce the consumption by 4% which is great.
7. Oklahoma
Smokers are not ready to cut down their smoking pattern and that’s why smoking and deaths because of smoking are increasing as a consequent. A State Legislator is ready to pass the anti-smoking bill with a majority though there has been some opposition. Oklahoma is the birthplace of the world famous cigarette brand, Marlboro Man which was discovered by Darrell Winfield.
8. South Carolina
Smoking has shown no possible decrease in its pattern in the South Carolina. About 2% of the smokers have been successful to quit smoking. In Vermont alone, smoking percent has gone up to 7%. And these figures are not astonishing as the tax levied on the cigarette pack is just $0.57 which hardly makes a difference. Smoking is not at all restricted in bars, work offices and in the restaurants and other places. This scenario can never welcome anti-smoking ideas at any time. Just 1 out of 10 people quit smoking without any medication and rehabilitation center’s help. Weight gain, depression, stress, alcohol, lack of support and living in the company of smokers are the major factors that lead to failures to quit smoking.
9. Tennessee
Tennessee is a perfect home to the Great Smoky Mountains for sure. Although, according to the National Standard of the country, the smoking rates have not reached to an alarming level. This state is placed amongst the worst when it comes to packets sold per capita and the deaths because of smoking have also shown a great hike which is not good. CDC recommended the minimum funds for smoke cessation in the year 2007. Like in any other Southern State, tobacco is a money reaping crop in Tennessee too. Other crops are out-casted by the farmers as tobacco is lucrative of all the other crops. The lives of farmers are mainly dependent on tobacco production. In the U.S, twenty one states are the major producers of tobacco.
10. West Virginia
Around 27% of adult population is engaged in smoking in West Virginia. It tops in the list of smokers in the country. A Virginian smoker spends a lot in buying packets of cigarettes. In fact he consumes about 113 packets in a year when compared to a smoker in Washington, DC who consumes about 23 packets. After Kentucky, it’s the people of West Virginia who suffer from lung cancer which is a deadly disease and 90% of these cases are a result of smoking frequently.
