Tobacco Control

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Northern Ireland, accounting for an estimated 2,300 deaths and 12,000 hospital admissions per year. Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke has many health benefits for individuals and communities. 

Smoking causes various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and other health problems, not only for smokers but also for non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including more than 50 known carcinogens. It increases the risk of lung cancer by 25%, coronary heart disease by 35% and stroke by 50% among non-smokers. It also worsens asthma symptoms, causes chronic coughing and increases the risk of ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome among children.

Councils in Northern Ireland are the statutory bodies charged with enforcing a large range of smoking and tobacco related legislation. Details of this work are included on this page and at the bottom of the page you will find a link to the Smoking Cessation services available in our area.