Decrease in Smoking Prevalence—Minnesota, 1999–2010

February 11, 2011 / Vol. 60 / No. 05

MMWR Introduction

Following the landmark 1998 settlement of the lawsuit, State of Minnesota versus Philip Morris, Inc., et al., Minnesota implemented a series of tobacco control efforts to limit the harm caused by tobacco use. Using statewide surveillance data from the Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS) and cigarette pack sales data, this report examines the effects of these tobacco-related public health efforts. Compared with a 15% decline in national cigarette smoking prevalence since 1999, adult cigarette smoking prevalence in Minnesota decreased from 22.1% in 1999 to 16.1% in 2010, a 27.1% decrease. During the same period, per capita cigarette sales in Minnesota decreased 40%. In addition, in 2010 compared with 1999, a higher percentage of adults reported that smoking was restricted in their homes (87.2% versus 64.5%) and adults were less likely to report exposure to secondhand smoke (45.5% versus 67.2%).