Smoking Is Very Common Among Latin American Immigrants in the United States (Photo)

On Wednesday, August 31, 2016: Despite a significant decline in overall adult smoking rates in the U.S., the habit remains prevalent among Latin American immigrants, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Among Hispanics, the smoking prevalence rate is nearly 24% from 2002-2005 and close to 20% from 2010-2013, according to a report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

Within this group, Puerto Ricans have the highest smoking rate at 28.5% from 2010-2013.

Following them are 19.1% of Dominicans, 19.8% of Cubans, and Mexicans.

Central or South American smokers make up 15.6% of the group from 2010-2013.

“While overall cigarette smoking rates are declining, disparities remain among racial and ethnic groups and subgroups,” said Bridget Garrett, PhD, deputy director of the CDC Office on Smoking and Health. “Looking beyond broad racial and ethnic population categories can help better focus our efforts to reduce tobacco use among subgroups with higher usage rates.”

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., responsible for more than 480,000 premature deaths each year. For every death, about 30 Americans suffer from tobacco-related diseases.