Smoking

Smoking Initiation

In 2005, more than two-thirds of current or former adult (20+ years) smokers in Simcoe Muskoka reported smoking their first whole cigarette when they were 16 years of age or younger. Nearly half of adult (20+) daily smokers reported that they started smoking cigarettes daily before the age of 17.

Adult Smoking

In 2007, one in four adults (20+ years) in Simcoe Muskoka reported smoking daily or occasionally. Daily smoking in Simcoe Muskoka has been declining over the past seven years.

Youth Smoking

In a 2005/2006 survey in Simcoe Muskoka high schools, nearly one in five students reported smoking daily or occasionally. Smoking rates increased by grade level. More female than male youth reported smoking.

Smoking Cessation

There are now more former smokers in Ontario and Simcoe Muskoka than there are current smokers. In 2007, more than 50% of adults (18+ years) currently smoking in Simcoe Muskoka said they were considering quitting smoking within the next six months and over half said they attempted to quit for at least one whole day in the past year.

Smoking During Pregnancy

Unborn children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke exposure. Educating pregnant women is key to protecting their unborn children from secondhand smoke. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to low birth-weight and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In 2005, one in 10 recent mothers reported smoking during their last pregnancy.

Smoking Attributable Mortality (SAM)

Those who smoke have an increased risk of developing many chronic diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. An estimated 47,000 people across Canada die each year from smoking-related causes.