It appears that people are becoming more aware of the fact the smoking is not healthy according to a new state survey in Washington D.C.

The survey found that adult smoking rate in Washington has dropped about 25 percent since 2000. Last year’ s smoking percentage fell slightly from 17 percent in 2006 to 16.5 percent, which is below the national smoking rate of 19.8 percent.

It appears that the state’s anti-smoking programs in schools and public-education campaigns have finally begun to show some benefit.

“Our state’s commitment to tobacco prevention is making a big difference. People are quitting smoking and Washington is healthier because of it. The numbers also show we have some big challenges. We must find ways to reach those who are not getting the message that help is available,” Governor Chris Gregoire said.

The statistics show that these people include those with low income or lower levels of education. The smoking rate among people with low income is 32 percent while the rate for people with a high school diploma or less is 27 percent.

According to current estimates, smoking appears to be the biggest cause of preventable deaths in the US, killing more than 400,000 people each year. Also, secondhand smoking seems to be higher than previously believed, killing almost 40,000 people annually because of cancers, respiratory infections and asthma, conditions also diagnosed in the case of smokers. Smoking also favors conditions such as heart disease and child birth defects in case of women who smoke during pregnancy.