Decline in young people smoking shows we are breaking habits

WHO could have thought just a few short years ago that Ireland might one day have a smoke-free generation? 

Decline in young people smoking shows we are breaking habits

Well, believe it or not, this truly amazing prospect is now within reach, as according to the latest research, only 8% of young people between the ages of 10 and 17 are now smoking.

Not since the abolition of smoking in the workplace has there been such good news about this life-threatening addiction and from every viewpoint that has to regarded as a most welcome development.

In 1998, more than 21% of the same age group smoked. The Irish Cancer Society deserves much of the credit for this promising downward trend which, if maintained, could eventually make Ireland a tobacco-free zone as children are increasingly turned off smoking.

There is, nevertheless, a darkening cloud on the horizon because US researchers say three in four battery-powered e-cigarettes use a flavoured liquid linked to severe respiratory disease. That’s bad news for many smokers who turned to e-cigarettes in a bid to cut the habit.

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