Health & Wellbeing - Smoking
Smoking
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
Smoking remains the only product that when used as the manufacturer’s intended, will kill half of its regular consumers.
Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco that causes smokers to continue to smoke but along with nicotine, smokers also inhale about 4,000 other chemicals in the tobacco smoke. The toxins in tobacco smoke can go everywhere in the body that the blood flows causing harm to nearly every organ and system of the body.
Low tar and low nicotine cigarettes are not a healthier option compared to cigarettes with higher levels of these toxins.
While some health effects from smoking are immediate there is a long time lag, sometimes decades, between smoking and many tobacco-related diseases. This time lag can result in some smokers believing it won’t happen to them.
Exposure to second-hand smoke also causes premature death and disease in children and adults who do not smoke. There is no risk-free level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Quitting at any age has benefits, with the largest reduction in risk in those who quite the earliest.
It’s never too late to QUIT!
Information about the risks associated with smoking and support
in quitting are available through the Health
and Wellbeing service on your campus, or click on the links below.