Tobacco quit lines are setting records this week as callers try to snuff their habits instead of paying higher taxes on their smokes.
The federal excise tobacco tax took effect Wednesday, increasing the cost of cigarettes by 62 cents a pack.
Calls into National Jewish Health’s QuitLine surged 90 percent in March, compared with March 2008.
On Tuesday, the QuitLine logged a record 2,998 calls from six states, including Colorado. That toppled the record set Monday, when 2,317 people called.
“We’ve seen (tax) increases before and they’ve had impact, but not like this,” said National Jewish spokesman Adam Dormuth.
Counselors and coaches at the QuitLine said smokers are citing personal health and finances as reasons to quit.
“With the current economic climate in the country, I think what you’ve created is the perfect storm and the perfect time for people to quit,” Dormuth said.
Colorado smokers spent an average of between $1,500 and $2,000 a year on tobacco products before Wednesday’s tax hike, according to National Jewish.
Anthony Bowe 303-954-1661 or abowe@denverpost.com
