Smoking rates decline in New York City..

May 6, 2009 - The percentage of New Yorkers who smoke continues to decline. A new city survey indicates that 15.8 percent of adults in the city smoke, or around 1 million people. That's about 350,000 fewer people than in 2002, when the adult smoking rate was 21.5 percent.

Health experts credit the decline to a number of factors, including higher cigarette taxes, bans on smoking in many public places, and greater awareness about the hazards of tobacco. The city is currently trying to help people quit by offering free enrollment in a nicotine patch and gum program. The patch giveaway ends this week.

Reference: Smoking rates decline in New York City, , 5/5/2009.