ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A study by the New York state Department of Health finds that smokers living with children are 76 percent more likely to try to quit their cigarette habit than smokers who don't have kids living at home.

The survey is being released this month to kick off the "Great American Smokeout," a national effort to get people to quit smoking.

Experts say the health risks to others can be a greater incentive for smokers to quit than the dangers it poses to themselves.

The health department survey found that among New York state's approximately 2.7 million smokers, about 1 million live with children in the household.

Experts say parents who smoke around their kids may contribute to health problems, like respiratory infections, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.

---

For more information: New Yorkers who want to quit smoking can call the state smokers' quit line at 1-866-NY-QUITS or 1-866-697-8487 for free coaching and quit plans.

On the Net: Free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges are also available to eligible smokers by visiting the quit line Web site at

www.nysmokefree.com

www.nyhealth.gov

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)