Preventing tobacco related harm

Tobacco smoking is by far the leading cause of preventable death in New
Zealand.

• It is estimated that in New Zealand many deaths due to various diseases could be prevented if smoking was eliminated including:

68 percent of female deaths and 82 percent of male deaths due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
11 percent of female deaths and 18 percent of male deaths due to heart disease.
8 percent of female deaths and 15 percent of male deaths due to stroke.

• To reduce smoking rates, the World Health Organisation recommends a mix of Taxation, cessation, health promotion, legislation and research.

• Countries with the lowest smoking rates use a wide range of tobacco control measures.

• Taxation of tobacco products is an especially effective way to reduce tobacco consumption. In May 2000, a 20 percent price increase in tobacco products was followed by an 18 percent decrease in tobacco consumption.

• Banning of tobacco products could lead to smuggling and black market issues, and is not recommended by Governments globally.