Key topics

Smoking is the leading cause of premature death and disability, responsible for half the difference in healthy life expectancy between rich and poor.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are relatively new tobacco products which have been developed by tobacco companies. This page explains the facts about heated tobacco products, including data on usage and the health effects.

Up to two thirds of long-term smokers will die prematurely from illnesses such as cancer, heart and respiratory disease caused by smoking.

Illicit/illegal tobacco refers to any tobacco products sold illegally in the UK, including smuggled genuine products, duty-free cigarettes sold on the black market, and counterfeit or fake tobacco. Illicit tobacco undermines the impact of lifesaving public health measures and sellers often have links with organised crime. This page explains what illicit tobacco is, what the UK is doing to tackle it, and how tobacco companies exploit concerns about illicit trade to undermine tobacco control. 

This page explains the facts about nicotine pouches including data on usage and the health effects.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) is harmful to health. Exposing children to smoking also makes it more likely that they will take up smoking themselves.

Vapes are the most popular stop smoking aid in Britain, but there’s also growing concern about youth vaping and illegal products. This page explains the facts about vaping – its benefits for people who smoke, potential risks, and the latest regulations.

Smoking is an addiction of youth with most adult smokers starting before the age of 18.

Vapes are not risk free and should not be used by children or non-smokers. However, they play an important role in helping adult smokers quit. This page includes the latest information on youth vaping rates, potential risks, and the latest regulations.