Australian patterns of tobacco smoking in 1989.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the national prevalence of smoking. DESIGN: A total of 4820 adults aged 16 years and over (2364 men, 2456 women) were surveyed throughout Australia in 1989 by a large market research company. SETTING: Interviews were conducted in the participants' homes. RESULTS: Overall, 30.2% of men and 27.0% of women were current smokers; 29.8% of men and 19.3% of women were past smokers. The mean daily consumption of factory-made cigarettes among male smokers was 22 and among female smokers 18.9. Taking into account the published tar content of the brand smoked, it was estimated that the average daily exposure to tobacco tar for men was 204 mg and for women 157 mg. Occupational and..