Changes in smoking patterns in the UK.

An analysis was made of smoking habits and changes in these habits in Great Britain in the 20th century. Data on prevalence broken down by sex age and socioecomic class is graphed and tabulated. Tobacco expenditure and tar content data are also presented. The index gradually recovered until consumption was back to the 1970 level a year later. There is a switch to filtered cigarettes but the switch is continuing at a decling rate. Consumption charts from 1920 show a continous increase in smoking among women since women 1st started smoking. Consumption among women remains however at much lower levels than among men. Regular smoking seems to be starting at earlier and earlier ages. Consumption has fallen off in the upper social classes but remains as common in 1973 as it was in 1961 among the unskilled classes. A discussion of the sources for this data is presented.