2,655 deaths in Somerset were caused by smoking during the years 2014-16, according to new figures released this week by Public Health England.
The figures have been revealed here as Public Health England launches a new TV advert to highlight the dangers of tar in cigarettes, as England’s 7 million smokers are urged to make a quit attempt this New Year.
The latest campaign shows how poisons from tar in cigarettes enter the bloodstream, spreading around the body within seconds and causing damage to major organs.
Chris Miles, service lead at North Somerset council, said: “There are over 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke which lead to many types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”
“Smoking still kills 100,000 people a year in the UK but the good news is that help is available. Smokefree North Somerset offers a friendly, non-judgmental service and offer the most effective way to stop smoking.”
“It can take a number of times to quit so if you’ve tried before but still smoke, maybe the next quit attempt will be the time you succeed. Call Smokefree North Somerset on 01275 546744 to find out more.”
There are many ways to quit, including free proven support from NHS Smokefree. People can choose what works best for them: face-to-face help, stop smoking aids, a quitting app, email, social media, and SMS support. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Russ Moody, Health & Wellbeing Programme Lead says: “Smoking is a deadly habit. Last year in the region, 25,244 smokers died from a smoking related illness in South West and 55,450 were admitted to hospital with a smoking related illness.”
“Our new TV ad shows how every cigarette sends a flood of poisonous chemicals through the bloodstream in seconds. We are urging every smoker in the South West to take advantage of the free Smokefree support and quit for good this New Year.”
