Early wrinkles, bad skin and damaged hair are among the unflattering results of smoking on women, according to a new campaign targeting young girls.
And reports indicate that smoking is on the increase among young women.
They face damaging every organ in their body as tobacco contains over 4,000 toxins that are absorbed through their lungs.
The percentage of smokers among 15-year-old girls in Malta was the third highest in Europe, an EU health study showed last year.
It was found that almost a quarter of 15-year-old girls and 19 per cent of 15-year-old boys in Malta smoked.
The campaign entitled Control the Wrinkling Process... Quit Tobacco Now was designed totarget young women and encourage them not to start smoking or to stop the habit, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate director Charmaine Gauci said.
Almost 25 per cent of 15-year-old girls in Malta smoke
The message was set around the aesthetic consequences of smoking following a focus group held among young female students at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.
The campaign was officially launched yesterday, at Mcast in Paola, by the directorate that will now be setting up stands in various areas frequented by young women such as university and shopping areas.
A leaflet will be distributed during this event with information about the consequences of smoking, that include bad skin, breath and a bad smell on their clothes and hair.
“Scientific evidence shows that smoking will cause damage to every organ in the body and the skin’s structure. Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 toxins and harmful chemicals that go through the lungs, get absorbed directly into the bloodstream and damage the whole body,” the leaflet reads.
Anyone who wishes to stop smoking can call on free phone 8007 3333 or contact the quit line 2326 6116.
Why NOT to smoke
• Smokers can look between eight and 12 years older than they are.
• Women who smoke are up to 40 times more likely to get a heart attack.
• Smokers are more likely to have menstrual problems.
• They reduce their fertility rate by around 28 per cent.
• It is more difficult for smokers to become pregnant.
• Smokers are more likely to develop pregnancy complications.