While the link between smoking and cancer is well known, it is the lesser known link to heart disease that has the Heart Foundation concerned.
Heart Foundation Queensland Health Director, Rachelle Foreman said smokers are four times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.
"There is no such thing as a ‘safe level’ of smoking," said Ms Foreman.
"Every cigarette you smoke restricts your blood flow and puts stress on your arteries."
"Smoking makes your blood stickier, so it is easier for clots to form which can cause a heart attack or stroke," she said.
In Queensland, 12 per cent of adults smoke daily with this figure rising up to 20 per cent in the regional areas of Cairns; Wide Bay; Townsville; and the Darling Downs-Maranoa.
"For every adult that smokes there are other people around them that are exposed to their smoke, putting their hearts at risk as well," said Ms Foreman.
"Today is World No Tobacco Day and we are calling for the local governments in Queensland to make all pedestrian malls and squares smoke-free zones," said Ms Foreman.
"Passive smoking is a real health problem and a recent Heart Foundation, Cancer Council, and Asthma Foundation survey shows that 9 out of 10 Queenslanders want town squares, like King George Square, to be completely smoke-free."
This World No Tobacco Day the Heart Foundation is also calling for legislation restricting who can sell tobacco.
"Currently anyone can sell cigarettes without applying for a licence," said Ms Foreman.
"It is a product that can kill people, so sellers should be under stricter control."
But the best response to World No Tobacco Day? Give up smoking.
"I would encourage all smokers to take the steps to quit – you will save money, live longer and have a better quality of life," said Ms Foreman.
The Quit HQ website, quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au, developed by the Queensland Government is a great place to start or call Quitline on 13 7848.
Rachelle Foreman is available for interview. ---
