A new study has shown that less Americans smoke cigarettes now than in the past.
Reuters reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results Wednesday of a study that states smoking levels dropped to 17.8 percent in 2013. That number is down from 20.9 percent in 2005.
The new number translates to around 42 million people that still smoke.
The study also shows that current smokers are cutting back. In 2005, U.S. smokers consumed 16.7 cigarettes a day. Last year’s number revealed that they consumed 14.2 cigarettes per day.
Philly.com noted that Dr. Tim McAfee, director of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health said that smoking is more common in some groups compared with others.
"Leading the pack, cigarette use is highest among those below the poverty level at almost 30 percent, compared to 17.8 percent in the general population," he said.
McAfee also said that American Indians, Alaska Natives, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and people living in the South or Midwest smoke at a higher rate. As well as alcohol and drug abusers and those with mental and physical disabilities.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness in the U.S. and is responsible for the majority of lung cancer deaths.