Given the serious health effects associated with cigarette smoking, primarily maintained by the addictive properties of nicotine, the best advice is not to start. Unfortunately, despite the obvious health problems and cost to society, thousands of young people start smoking each year.

All nicotine-containing products should be handled with care and kept out of the reach of children. Secondhand smoke should be avoided, particularly for children, and laws limiting exposure to secondhand smoke should be encouraged.

Nicotine is a very potent drug - highly addictive when regularly consumed - and its use should be avoided. Laws restricting or defining smoking areas that reduce exposure to secondhand smoke should be encouraged.

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