Women Smoking Rates still coming down

Published on August 24, 2009 8:54 AM

Statistics show that Alberta's smoking rate is among the highest in the country. But a new study found that fewer adolescents and women are lighting up. Last year, more than 20 percent of people living in Alberta regularly took a puff, according to data released Thursday by Statistics Canada. That's a slight decrease over 2007 numbers, but still higher than the national average of 18 percent.

But provincial health officials said that it's encouraging to see a growing tobacco shame when it comes to teenagers, long supposed to be the most exposed demographic. Sixteen percent of youth aged 15 to 19 years old, usually lit up in 2008, down from 20 percent the previous year. Women also smoked fewer cigarettes, with some of the sharpest declines among female young adults.

Last year, the Alberta government banned smoking in all public places and work sites, bringing the province's smoking laws up to par with several other provinces. Violent limitations were put on tobacco displays at convenience stores and, effective Jan. 1, 2008, pharmacies and grocery stores that carry pharmaceuticals were prohibited from selling tobacco except in gas stations, mall kiosks or individual enclosed spaces.

Alberta Health spokeswoman Micky Elabdi, said: "For all population, it's just less opportune to go and smoke. The legislation is of course much more limited . . . our aim is to get smoking rates down." Recent statistics explained that tobacco sales in Alberta declined meaningly last year following a tobacco tax hike, leading some anti-smoking lobby groups to suggest that the government should continue to raise fees.

If taxes go much higher, it probably will be time to butt out, admitted Melinda Shields, a 21-year-old Calgary retail worker who enjoys smoking on the weekend with friends. The cost is already straining her budget. "I've thought about kicking the habit for good, but the choice has never really been right," she added. Scientists concluded that some 5.7 million cigarillos were sold in Alberta in 2001, a number that jumped to 64 million in 2007. But the packaging uses colors that are bright and they are being sold individually for about the same price as a chocolate bar. It is a high concern because they are tempting to children.

Smoking costs the Alberta economy $1.8 billion yearly, mostly in medical bills and sick days from work. It's considered that 3,000 people die in this region annually from tobacco-related illnesses. Today statistics show that the highest smoking rate is in Manitoba at 20.8 percent, while British Columbia boasts the lowest at just over 14 percent.