Cigarette smoking is the world’s leading cause of preventable poor health and premature death. The latest figures show that, in Scotland, tobacco use is associated with over 9,000 deaths and around 90,000 hospital admissions each year. (ASH Scotland, 2025). It is therefore extremely important that we try and reduce the uptake of smoking and protect people (especially children) from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke generated by others.
Vapes (e-cigarettes) are still relatively new on the market however the long-term effects on health are still mainly unknown. They should only be used by adult smokers who are looking to use them to aid their quit attempt. They should never be used by a non-smoker or a child.
Most smoking and vaping prevention & protection measures are driven by national legislation, policies and campaigns. Examples include:
- The smoking ban, which was introduced in 2006 to protect people from the harms of second-hand smoke.
- Smoke-free cars
- Smoke-free grounds, such as hospitals and play zones.
- Scottish Government Tobacco and Vaping Framework Smoking and vaping – gov.scot
- Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation – ASH Scotland initiative to help reduce the harm caused by smoking and deliver a tobacco-free generation by 2034.
- Trading Standards working across Ayrshire carrying out test purchasing for tobacco and electronic cigarettes/vapes and seizing illicit tobacco and illegal vapes.
Prevention Activities and Resources
The following resources may be helpful for smoking and vaping prevention:
- ASH Scotland have developed Tobacco-free generation school and youth packs that cover smoking vaping and nicotine Working with young people – ASH Scotland
- ASH Scotland have also developed a Young people, e-cigarettes and vaping E-learning module Young People and Vaping – ASH Scotland
- ASH Scotland information briefing paper on nicotine es Nicotine pouches – ASH Scotland
- The Scottish Government currently has a campaign on youth vaping incorporating Vaping addiction soon takes hold | NHS inform
Quit Your Way tobacco and vaping prevention & awareness resource and training
Quit Your Way offers a variety of prevention activities and training aimed at children and young people from nursery through to further education. The purpose is to create an environment where young people choose not to smoke or vape.
Lesson plans for Primary 5 and 6 school children on tobacco and vaping are currently available to teachers via GLOW.
If you would like more information on what we offer within Ayrshire and Arran or how you can work with us, please call us on our free phone helpline 0800 783 9132 or email us QYWAyrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Protection: Second-hand smoke is smoke breathed in from other people’s tobacco smoke.
For instance, it may:
- be blown out when someone is smoking
- comes from the tip of a cigarette that has been left to burn
In Scotland, it is illegal to smoke:
- within 15 metres of a hospital building – see the Prohibition of Smoking Outside Hospital Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2022 (GOV.UK)
- in a vehicle with anyone under the age of 18 – see Smoking in cars with children (Scottish Government)
For more information on second-hand smoke, visit Take it right outside (NHS Inform).
Facts on second-hand smoke
Did you know:
- particles of smoke are so tiny that 85% of them are invisible and odourless.
- second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 toxic chemicals.
- the harmful chemicals creep from room to room for up to 5 hours – even with the windows open and doors closed.
Second-hand smoke and children
Children are more vulnerable to second-hand smoke because:
- they have smaller airways
- they breathe faster
- their immune systems are still developing
Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more at risk of:
- coughs
- colds
- ear infections
- chest infections
Get in touch
If you would like support to help you stop smoking or to talk to one of our Quit Your Way team, please contact us using the self-referral form below.
You can also contact us by email or telephone or follow us on Facebook.
Freephone: 0800 783 9132
Email: QYWAyrshire@aapct.scot.nhs.uk