NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A new study found that Tennessee has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation.
The study found that an average of 18% of adults in Tennessee have either smoked 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, smoke daily or smoke sometimes.
To gather the numbers, America’s Health Rankings analyzed data from the Center of Disease and Control (CDC).
Tennessee has the most vapers nationwide, study shows
The numbers show Tennessee has the third highest percentage of smokers coming just points behind Arkansas and West Virginia, which claimed the No. 1 spot.
Top 5 states with the highest percentage of smokers :
- West Virginia
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
According to America’s Health Ranking’s , 12% of those aged 65+ currently smoke in Tennessee, which is more than 140,000 people. Meanwhile, nearly 384,000 adults, equivalent to 24.1%, aged the 45-64 smoke in Tennessee.
Why do non-smokers get lung cancer?
Data revealed that 18% of those in the 18-44 age group reported to consistently smoking. The percentage represents a whopping 411,300 people, according to data provided by the CDC.