Smoking
Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. When cigarettes are burned, they release over 5,000 different chemicals, and many of these are poisonous. At least 70 of the chemicals found in tobacco smoke can cause cancer. Cigarettes and tobacco contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance that makes it hard to stop once you start. There is no safe level of smoking—so not smoking at all, or quitting completely, is the best thing you can do for your health.
Under the new tobacco and vapes bill, each year the legal age for cigarette sales- currently 18- will increase by one year. It means that people born in or after 2009 will never be able to legally buy cigarettes.
Passive smoking
Passive smoking is when you breath in someone else's smoke from their cigarette.
It is also called second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke is dangerous, especially for children/young people and can damage your health. It is just as dangerous as smoking.
Local support
QuitReady Leicestershire & Rutland offer free support to young people to quit smoking or vaping. You can complete a referral form, or call 0345 646 6666 or e-mail quitreadyyp@leics.gov.uk.
Smoking and the law
True or false?
True – It is illegal to smoke in a car (or other vehicle) with anyone under 18 in the UK because second-hand smoke is extremely harmful to children and young people. The law was introduced on 1st October 2015.
True or false?
False – In the UK, smoking is banned in all enclosed workplaces, public buildings, and on public transport. This law was introduced to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and to create healthier public environments. The ban is enforced under the Health Act 2006, which makes it illegal to smoke in these places.
True or false?
True – Adults should not buy cigarettes for anyone under 18 as it is illegal
True or false?
False – You must be over 18 years old to purchase cigarettes.
For further support and information...
These links take you to other websites or services that are not provided by Teen Health. The pages have been selected to give you more information on this topic area. They will open another tab in your browser.
