New York Reports Historic Decline in Tobacco Use

According to a report from the dailygazette on September 17th, adult tobacco use in the state of New York has reached a historic low, with a significant decrease in teenage smoking. The report, released by the Department of Health in the state, revealed that only 12% of adults currently smoke, while the teenage smoking rate has dropped to a record low of 2.1%.

An outdated state report on smoking rates in 2013 revealed that at that time, 16.6% of adults and 7.3% of high school students were smokers. In 2000, the data for the state indicated that 27.1% of high school students were smokers.

In the year 2020, a considerable 22.5% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes within the past 30 days, while 6.8% of middle school students also disclosed engaging in the same behavior.

"The decline in tobacco-related cancer cases indicates that our state of New York is making progress in supporting smoking cessation for tobacco addicts and preventing youth initiation of smoking," said Dr. James McDonald, the state health commissioner, in a press release. "I appreciate Governor Hochul's commitment to policy changes, such as the recent implementation of a $1 increase in cigarette tax, which is improving the health of all New Yorkers."

In addition, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill on Friday prohibiting the sale of tobacco products on vending machines and devices inside state government buildings. "For decades, tobacco companies have hooked generations of New Yorkers on nicotine," Hochul said in a statement. "We are taking a stand against big tobacco companies by banning the sale of their harmful products inside New York State buildings.