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PHOENIX (AP) — The percentage of adult Arizonans who smoke continues to drop.
The Arizona Department of Health Services says the percentage of smokers as of 2014 was at an all-time low of 15.3 percent. That's down a percentage point from the rate in 2013.
Tobacco prevention and cessation programs head Courtney Ward says the decrease continues a trend. She says factors behind that trend include an ongoing anti-tobacco media campaign and a 2007 tobacco tax increase approved by voters.
Ward says the percentage of adult Arizonans who smoke topped out above 20 percent in the 1990s but the department says it'll be a challenge to cut the rate further because remaining smokers are solidly entrenched in their addiction.
The department is hosting a summit on tobacco topics Tuesday and Wednesday in Phoenix.
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