Facts about Smoking

The effects of smoking have been big news for many years. Every year more people try to quit, there are more restrictions on smoking, and more research into the effects of smoking both on smokers and the people around them.

This section gathers together the key facts about cigarette smoking to help you come to your own conclusions. It also explains the thinking behind the policies and laws on smoking covered in Tobacco Policy and Resources.

Information on the dangers of smoking is drawn from different sources, including medical evidence, people's real-life experiences, surveys and national statistics.

You don't have to be a smoker to want to know the facts about cigarette smoking. You might be a parent or teacher keen to encourage young people not to start in the first place. Or perhaps you're an employer trying to reduce smoking at work by helping your staff quit. 

The danger of smoking

Most of us have a pretty good idea of what the dangers of smoking are and what it can do to people. You might, however, be surprised by some of the less obvious effects of smoking.

• Smoking and your health looks at the physical effect of smoking on your body and the diseases and illnesses that can result.
• Smoking and your appearance explains how the habit can do more to your looks than stain your fingers yellow.
• Smoking and your wallet looks at the financial cost and helps you add it all up.
• The effect of smoking on other people looks at the dangers of second-hand smoke, whether at home or in the workplace.