A study on British smokers (Doll 2004) shows that the earlier someone stops smoking, the more years of life is preserved. It is important to note that ceasing smoking at 40 years old is estimated to extend life by 9 years. 9 years that could be used to travel the world after retiring or see how a grandchild grows up. This increase in lifespan is information that can be used as motivation to quit, and should be shared with people intending to give up smoking.

Here are some statistics about smoking and also some facts about cigarettes

The DoH UK’s report titled New statistics show smokers are losing out in love. (press release) 2000; Feb 11. Their data also showed smokers who were women and older men were less like to find a partner or a boyfriend/girlfriend.

It is an deep rooted problem in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries where the majority of cigarettes are smoked and in places where public bans have nor or cannot be enforced, like in China. One survey estimated that 79 percent of Europeans over age 15 were exposed to second-hand smoke. Recent data from South Africa shows that 64 percent of children below age five in Soweto live with at least one smoker in the house.

The problem with smoking is that smokers do not only put themselves at risk but also the people around them. The smoke that is exhaled from a smoker or trails off from the tip of the cigarette is called environmental smoke, and breathing in these fumes is known as passive smoking or second hand smoking