Statement Of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg On Surgeon General Report: "preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth And Young Adults"

March 8, 2012

“Today's release of a Surgeon General report on youth smoking reveals startling new information on the immediate health effects of smoking on young people. After ten years of our comprehensive tobacco control efforts – including taxes, hard-hitting public education campaigns and smoke-free air laws – youth smoking in New York City is at its lowest recorded levels. Only seven percent of New York City teens smoke, which is less than half the national rate of 20 percent. This report underscores the importance of our efforts and we will continue seeking to reduce smoking rates even further with the aim of eliminating the number one preventable cause of death.”