Smoking bigger cause of premature death than poverty

Smoking is a much more significant cause of health inequalities than wealth or social class, research claims.

A new study shows well-off smokers die earlier than poor non-smokers, plus women smokers die earlier than male non-smokers cancelling out the life expectancy advantage women usually have over men.

Researchers also found that quitting smoking can have a huge impact on life expectancy, with ex-smokers’ survival rates closer to non-smokers than those who continue to smoke.

An inquiry by the Commons health select committee into health inequalities, due to be published soon, is also expected to flag up the importance of quitting smoking in order to narrow the health gap between rich and poor.

Commenting on the today’s report, ASH chief executive, Deborah Arnott, said: “This study shows that if the government is to succeed in reducing health inequalities in the next generation it needs to have a comprehensive strategy to drive down smoking rates.”

She added this should include sufficient resources to ensure people who want to stop smoking are given all the help they need.

The study was based on the residents of Scottish towns Renfrew and Paisley.