Health Department Announces an Eight-Year Decline in Smoking-Related Deaths in New York City as Smoking Remains at an All-Time LowFrom 2002 to 2009, the smoking rate in New York City decreased by 27%; An estimated 6,300 lives were saved as the smoking rate declined
Fewer New Yorkers are dying as a result of smoking-related illnesses. A new analysis by the agency shows smoking-related deaths have declined by 17% in New York City during the past decade - from approximately 8,700 in 2002 to about 7,200 in 2009. Altogether, an estimated 6,300 lives were saved during this period as the smoking rate fell. The biggest reductions in smoking-related mortality occurred in cardiovascular disease (down 27%), cancer (down 9%) and respiratory disease (down 12%).