Number Of NSW Smokers Drops To Lowest Levels On Record
The number of people in NSW who smoke cigarettes has fallen to its lowest level on record according to new data published by NSW Health this World No Tobacco Day.
The 2024 Population Health Survey showed around only one in 10 adults (11 per cent) smoked daily or occasionally, a decline from 14 per cent in 2015.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and the second highest contributor to the burden of disease in Australia. This World No Tobacco Day, NSW Health is encouraging people to quit smoking and vaping to improve their health and quality of life.
Data from Cancer Institute NSW released today shows people in NSW are seeking support to quit smoking and vaping, with more than 27,000 calls supported by telephone information and counselling service Quitline in the past 12 months. More than 15,000 of these calls related to smoking and 5,000 calls were about vaping.
While smoking rates have declined, rates of vaping remain high, with people aged 16-24 years having the highest rate of vaping of any age group (20 per cent). Although there was a rapid increase in rates among this age group from 2018 to 2023, vaping rates have now started to stabilise.
All people who vape are exposed to chemicals and toxins which have the potential to cause harm to health. Some of these chemicals have been shown to cause cancer, heart disease and lung damage. Vaping may cause throat irritation, cough, breathlessness, dizziness, headaches and nausea. .
In young people, regular use of nicotine vapes can cause changes to brain development, worsen stress and increase symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is also recent evidence that young people aged 12-17 who vape are almost five times as likely to go on to smoke.
The Minns Labor Government is undertaking a comprehensive program of work to reduce rates of vaping, including cracking down on the supply and availability of vapes, educational campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of vaping, and supports to help people kick the habit.
In February this year, NSW launched the Pave app to support people on their quit journey. The app – which has been downloaded by 5000 users to date – provides users with helpful tips, motivation, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, as well as activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.
If you need support to quit smoking or vaping talk to your GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848. Quitline is a free and confidential telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help you quit. Aboriginal counsellors are available, providing culturally sensitive and customised support.
The iCanQuit website also provides information about smoking and vaping and resources and support to quit.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“No matter how long you have been smoking, quitting is one of the most effective things you can do to live a longer, happier and healthier life.
“While it is pleasing to see more people taking the step towards being smoke free, I remain concerned that rates of vaping are still high.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to the stem the tide of this public health challenge. We don’t want to see the years of strong progress in tobacco control and smoking reduction undone.
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant:
“I’d like to congratulate people who have taken the step towards a healthier life by quitting smoking.
“I acknowledge it’s not always easy, but I encourage people who smoke to think about quitting both for themselves and for their loved ones this World No Tobacco Day.
“While the data released today shows a concerning number of young people vaping, we are cautiously optimistic that we are seeing a stabilisation of the rates.
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM
“Smoking is a leading cause of disease and premature death in NSW, and while we’ve seen positive change with a decrease in tobacco smoking, we cannot become complacent about the harms of smoking and now vaping.”
“Smoking and vaping are among the worst things you can do for your health. It’s important that people avoid taking up these habits or seek help to quit.”
”While quitting can be hard, with support like the app and telephone service, taking that first step can be life changing.”
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20250531_00.aspx