NEW YORK, NY June 22, 2007 —Five years after the first anti-smoking measures went into place, 20% fewer city residents smoke cigarettes. WNYC’s Fred Mogul has more.

REPORTER: Smoking has declined nationally over the last decade, but in many places, the drop has leveled off. About 21% of Americans smoke. In New York City, the rate is 17.5% – a smaller proportion than all but 5 states in the country.

REPORTER: According to figures released today in a publication by the Centers for Disease Control, men are about 30% more likely to smoke than women, and those with no more than a high school education are about 50% more likely to smoke than those with college degrees.

REPORTER: Though it can’t prove it, the Health Department says it’s likely the overall drop is due to higher tobacco taxes, a workplace smoking ban and anti-smoking advertising. For WNYC, I’m Fred Mogul.