ASH concerned about women smokers

The anti-smoking group ASH Ireland has expressed deep concern about the increasing numbers of young Irish women who are smoking.

Ash say the statistics for women have been a major contributory factor to the gradual increase in overall smoking figures in recent years.

Dr Fenton Howell, Public Health Specialist and Chairman of ASH Ireland said the increase in young women smoking will have massive implications for women's health in future years.

"We can expect to see significant increases in levels of lung cancer, heart disease and a range of other diseases in women in the coming years.

"This will be directly attributable to increasing smoking levels. Unfortunately young people become addicted to nicotine very quickly - and have difficulty in quitting even if they want to. We now know from recent research that 70% of our smokers want to quit, but are unable to do so."

Dr Howell complimented the Government on its significant plans to ban smoking in the workplace, in restaurants and in pubs where food is being served.

Dr Howell said, "It now appears we are going to have legislation which has the potential to protect the non-smoker, including children, from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke."