Context

Smoking is the leading modifiable cause of morbidity and premature death.

In Montréal, 2000 to 3000 people die every year from illnesses caused by tobacco. Despite this fact, 25% of Montrealers over the age of 15 continue to smoke. About 70% of smokers say they want to quit. 

 

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Did you know?

The health consequences of smoking are horrific:

  • A smoker loses on average ten years of life expectancy compared to a non-smoker.
  • One regular smoker out of every two dies from a smoking-related illness, and one in two who die are in the 35-to-69 age group.
  • About 37,000 Canadians die every year from illnesses caused by tobacco, including 10,414 Quebecers (in 2002). 
  • Smoking is identified as the cause of 
    • 85% of all lung cancers;
    • 85% of all chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases;
    • 30% of all cancers; and
    • 25% to 30% of all cardiovascular diseases.

Second-hand tobacco smoke is bad for your health:

  • Smoke from a burning cigarette contains 4800 chemical compounds, 50 of which are known carcinogens.
  • Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is associated with an increased risk for
    • death from ischemic heart disease;
    • lung cancer;
    • lower respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) and recurring otitis media in children aged two and under;
    • more frequent development and aggravation of asthma in children under the age of six; and
    • sudden infant death syndrome.
Source: Des professionnels actifs pour traiter le tabagisme et sa dépendance. André Gervais, Chantal Lacroix, Hawa Sissoko, Diane Villeneuve. 20 pages. 2010.

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Are you a health professional?

If you are interested in learning more on this subject, please visit the "Smoking" page on the site of the Director of public health for the Montréal region.

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Practical advice

See our "Smoking cessation" page to find out whom you should contact to get help and where can you find additional, credible information on tobacco control.

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