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Oklahoma Smoker Numbers Decline

By A-P

Oklahoma City, OK – OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) State health officials say smoking rates in Oklahoma have reached historic lows.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health released figures on Tuesday that show for the first time ever, Oklahoma has more former smokers than current smokers.

The department reports the adult smoking rate has dropped from 28.7 percent in 2001 to a new low of 23.7 percent in 2010. The national adult smoking rate is 20.6 percent.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Cline says the smoking decrease will save "literally hundreds and hundreds of lives."