New statewide survey shows fewer Californians than ever smoke tobacco

When it comes to smoking, more Californians than ever just say no.

Just 13.1 percent of the state's adults smoke tobacco -- California's lowest-ever rate and second in the nation only to Utah, according to statistics released Monday by the state Department of Public Health.

And the numbers in most parts of the Bay Area are even lower. Just 8 percent of adults in Santa Clara County smoke, which was the third-lowest tally in California, the state Tobacco Control Program reported.

"It didn't happen overnight. We have been dealing with tobacco control for years and years and years," said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, the county's top health officer.

State and local officials attribute much of the success to aggressive public awareness campaigns on the health risks of smoking. More recently, local governments have been firing up smoking bans in parks, hotels and even condominiums.

The county-by-county report released Monday is the most detailed ever. The state examined 2008 data from a telephone survey of 22,225 households. That was followed by extended interviews of 10,397 adults on their smoking habits, history and efforts to quit, among other issues.

The 13.1 percent smoking rate means nearly 4 million Californians regularly light up. The national percentage is far higher: 21 percent, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.