New Yorkers are smoking less than ever. The Times Herald Record reports that the smoking rate in the state of New York has dropped to its lowest level since public health officials began tracking the number.

 On Monday Governor Andrew Cuomo said that the smoking rate among high schoolers is 7.3 percent while the rate among adults is at 14.5 percent. This is reportedly down from 12.5 percent for high-schoolers and 18.1 percent for adults in 2011, respectively.

New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker credits the drop with ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco. Zucker also says that the state has undergone many efforts and make it harder for young people to purchase cigarettes. According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York's smoking rates are below the national average, with the national smoking rate for adults being 17.8 percent and high-school students at 9.2 percent.

 

More From WPDH-WPDA