Smoking is ranked third among 9 modifiable risk factors for dementia and is linked to an estimated 14% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease worldwide. July 2019.

Around 1.1 billion people aged 15 and over smoke, with 80% living in LMICs (low and middle income
countries). Tobacco growing and consumption have become concentrated in the developing world where
the health, economic, and environmental burden is heaviest and likely to increase. July 2019.

This fact sheet reports the results of the ASH Smokefree GB surveys on the use of e-cigarettes among adults in Great Britain. ASH included questions on e-cigarette use in this annual survey starting in 2010 with questions addressed only to smokers.

This briefing explains why smoking is a major contributory factor and what can be done to reduce health inequalities caused by smoking. It examines the relationship between smoking and socio-economic status, and certain social groups such as people with mental health conditions, prisoners, looked-after children and ethnic minorities.

Health policy is largely formulated and implemented by the devolved administrations of each of the member countries of the United Kingdom. However, as tobacco falls within the remit of a number of different government departments: e.g. Treasury, Business, HMRC as well as Health, tobacco control policy is partly determined at UK-wide level and partly by the devolved administrations. The four nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have responsibility for their own smoking cessation and health education campaigns while UK-wide policy and law applies to taxation, smuggling, advertising, and consumer protection issues such as the provision of health warnings on tobacco packaging. Some of these measures are determined by European Union legislation.

This fact sheet focuses primarily on waterpipe use and regulation in the UK.   Oct 2015.

ASH response to a HSCIC consultation on the Smoking Drinking & Drug use among young people survey.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that smoking is an independent risk factor for diabetes and that among people with diabetes, smoking aggravates the risk of serious disease and premature death.  July 2015.

This research report reviews the health consequences of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and reveals that quitting smoking is the best form of treatment. PAD is a type of vascular disease that affects the arteries. Smoking is the most important preventable risk factor for peripheral arterial disease. December 2017.

Smoking during pregnancy causes up to 2,200 premature births, 5,000 miscarriages and 300 perinatal deaths every year in the UK. This report, by a coalition of baby charities, campaigners, leading academics and health experts, outlines recommendations for commissioners, providers, royal colleges, government bodies, training organisations and third sector organisations.