Changes in smoking characteristics by type of employment from 1970 to 1979/80.

Changes in the distribution of smoking status between and within occupations by sex, race, and age are examined for 1970 and 1979/80, 10 years that saw rapid changes in smoking prevalence. The pattern of occupation within smoking categories remains basically unchanged, and, in fact, becomes more pronounced among males. The probability of young people taking up smoking remains tied to eventual occupational choice. The decline in smoking prevalence is larger among the employed than among those who are not employed. There has been a substantial increase in refusals to answer questions about smoking.