Social smokers underestimate dangers, study suggests

Public Wellness England says ‘the ideal factor a smoker can do is quit completely’. Photograph: PA

Britain’s one.1 million “social smokers” wrongly believe that puffing only occasionally will not harm their health and underestimate their threat of dying early from the habit, a examine demonstrates.

Only a single in 4 part-time smokers worries that their tobacco intake will harm their overall health even though this kind of smokers eat an regular of 37 cigarettes a week. Smoking as handful of as among a single and 4 cigarettes a day can triple the risk of dying from heart condition.

The findings from research led by a tobacco professional, Professor Robert West of University School London, led wellness campaigners to warn that social smokers – who typically smoke only after or twice a week – are “in denial” about the dangers they are dealing with.

“In spite of common perceptions a lot of element-time and social smokers get through adequate cigarettes a week to place their lives on the line,” stated Dr Mike Knapton, associate health-related director of the British Heart Foundation.

“The reality that only a quarter say they are anxious about smoking harming their well being and even fewer believe they are addicted shows also numerous are in denial about the life-threatening damage they could be doing”, Knapton added. each and every now and then. The best thing a smoker can do is end totally, now and forever.”

Social smokers underestimate dangers, study suggests