​Cigarettes, cigars and all tobacco products cause major health problems and could lead to premature death. Tobacco and tobacco products are the leading cause of preventable death in the World. There are over 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke of which over 69 are known to be carcinogenic. In Europe 700,000 people die every year due to smoking. In Malta approximately 500 people die every year as a result of smoking.

The health impact of second hand smoke is also well established. Second Hand smoke consists of a mixture of gases and fine particles that is either emitted from a burning cigarette, cigar, or pipe, or exhaled by smokers. In all, second-hand smoke contains at least 250 toxic chemicals, including more than 50 carcinogens.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.

• It interferes with your daily activities
• It increases the risk of cancer
• It causes chronic respiratory illness
• It causes Heart disease, stroke and diseases of the circulatory system
• It could increase blood pressure
• It is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes
• It increases the risk of peptic ulcer, infertility and osteoporosis
• It leads to gum disease
• It causes wrinkles
• It affects your sense of taste and smell
• It stains teeth and fingers

Smoking can take 10-15 quality years off your life. This can be prevented.

The Health promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate offers Tobacco cessation services. Phone the quitline on 23266116 or Freephone 80073333