The adult smoking rate in Washington has dropped to 17.8 percent, which is the fifth-lowest smoking rate in the country.

Adult smoking in Washington has dropped by 21 percent since the state began its comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in 2000, far outpacing the national rate of decline.

"I am proud that Washington has become a national leader in the battle against tobacco use," said Governor Chris Gregoire. "It has taken a lot of hard work and the consistent decline in adult smoking rates shows that the hard work is paying off. Washingtonians will live longer, healthier lives because they have quit smoking."