Special publication addresses effects of light, intermittent smoking

WASHINGTON This month, Nicotine and Tobacco Research has released a special issue of its publication, focusing on the examination of light and intermittent smoking, which tends to be overlooked in traditional tobacco research.

Light and Intermittent Smoking, which was released this month, uncovers trends related to light smokers, those who smoke less than 10 to 15 cigarettes per day, and intermittent or occasional smokers, those who may not smoke every day.

According to the CDC, one-fifth of U.S. smokers are intermittent or occasional smokers. Yet, existing research and public health efforts have targeted moderate to heavy smokers.

All of the research was co-funded by the American Legacy Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institutes of Health Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. Each organization collaborated to address and examine smoking patterns, trends, addiction and health effects.

"This special issue is chapter one of a very important volume in the overall fight against tobacco," said Cheryl G. Healton, Dr. P.H., president and CEO, American Legacy Foundation. "We are yet to fully understand the best ways to help these light smokers quit, a very important goal, as they represent an increasing percentage of the smoking population."