The Health Promotion Unit has launched an anti-smoking campaign targeting young women - the sector which is showing growth among smokers.

Officials at the unit said at a press conference this morning that they will be homing in on the detrimental impact of smoking on women.

The campaign has as one of its themes "Control the Wrinkling Process - Stop Smoking".

Charmaine Gauci, who heads the unit, pointed out that smoking leads to premature ageing. The skin, as particularly evident in women, develops early wrinkling owing to dehydration.

Smokers also have bad breath and yellowing teeth and smoking women were found to have a 40% higher chance of heart problems than non-smokers.

This was apart from the other health problems associated with smoking, including lung cancer.

Dr Gauci thanked an Mcast focus group for its input to the campaign. She said the campaign will focus not just on prevention, but also on weaning women away from smoking. Those wishing to seek help should phone on 8003333.