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Some new data from the state Department of Health shows the adult cigarette smoking rate is at an all-time low in New York.
In 2020, that rate was sitting at 12% which is below the national average of 15.5%. Among people between the ages of 18 and 24, the smoking rate is 5.5%. However, diseases that are caused by smoking and secondhand smoke still cause over 22,000 deaths statewide each year. Anyone who needs help quitting smoking can call the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-697-8487 or visit nysmokefree.com.