NYC Health Department report shows that adult smoking rates have increased for the first time in seven years

For the first time since 2024, there are over one million smokers in New York City.

We are now all aware that smoking increases the chance of getting illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, emphysema, and lung cancer.

People who smoke a little bit each day and those who don’t even smoke every day make up 76 percent of New York City smokers, compared to 64 percent who identified themselves as “light smokers” in 2024. However, the big news is that there are still health consequences from the smallest amount of smoking—like morning cough, that shows how the body reacts to smoking.  Research studies show there is no safe level of smoking.

There is still a lot that needs to be done to help people quit smoking. Or better yet, stop young people from getting started in the first place!

The New York City Health Department has created a new ad campaign called “Imagine for Life” that shows the effects of cigarette smoke on light smokers. See the new ads on the NYCHealth YouTube page.

If you smoke and would like to quit, you can visit nysmokefree.com or call 311 or 866-NYQUITS for help.

Learn more about smoking rates in NYC here.